> Trixie and her Destiny > by Stark Trist > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Setting the Stage > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun shone brightly through the trees as the fiery mass peaked over the horizon. A soft fall wind brushing through the trees and across the well-traveled road. Tap, tap, tap... A unicorn methodically trotted along the cobblestone path pulling along a bulging yellow cart. The fall air swished through the unicorn's mane gently tossing its long prim strands around her hat. The mare strode with purpose, lost in thought as the beautiful day begin unnoticed. This was the time, time to win over yet another town. To spread her power and influence in the minds of others. Another challenger stood before The Great and Powerful Trixie, Ponyville. She had fought hard in the past few months, Appaloosa, Dodge City, Baltimare, Filly Delphia, Hallow Shades, and her home town Manehattan. The Great and Powerful Trixie defeated them all. That was not to say they didn’t fight back, each city brought its own set of unique challenges. Specialized mages, magical landmarks, and even mystic weather which disobeyed the natural order. Trixie had over overshadowed them all, placing her image atop a pedestal of glory. The journey had been long and hard, and with several dozen more cities left on the map Trixie braced herself for a rocky ride. Although, if there was one thing that Trixie had learned about herself over these last few months it was how devilishly clever she could get when pushed to her limits. The last two towns, as well as Baltimare before were especially challenging for Trixie. Baltimare was open to the sea’s influence which left little unknown to its residents. Trixie smiled slyly as she reminisced on her masterful plan which won over its residence. The other two weren’t quite as difficult as they were grating. Two small frontier cities were newly constructed and inhabited by simple folk who were hardly worth the trouble and had left a particularly dirty taste in her mouth. Suffice to say, The Great and Powerful Trixie was a face for the masses. For those who could fully appreciate the glory of her performances. A magician who, in the next year, would be begged to come and perform in Canterlot for the Royal Princesses. This was her dream, what Trixie really wanted. This is what made Trixie feel alive! It was with this in mind that Trixie planned out her tour through all of the major cities. Traveling to Manehatten, Baltimare, Las Pegasus, Trottingham, Vanhoover, and lastly Canterlot to finish the tour. The decision to visit Los Pegasus was critical to her success. It was only after planning out her route did she find out that the city was floating in the sky. Now quite a few smaller towns on the way were being graced with her presence as she learned up on cloud magic. The rural town would inevitably be filled with simple folk and their ilk resulting in more headaches for Trixie. She wasn't ready to face the music in Las Pegasus yet. Ponyville can't be as bad as committing an untested spell she only attempted a half dozen times to save her life from instant death by gravity. Ponyville itself looked like an easy target from the outside. Like Appaloosa or Dodge City before it, the backwater town of Ponyville will be more than happy with a simple magic show to brighten up their dull little town. What had Trixie worried was The Elements of Harmony. They were an unknown quantity, a Known Unknown, which weighed heavily on her thoughts as she traveled. She had heard The Elements they were just like normal ponies, but that didn't make sense with the tales of how they defeated the dark alicorn Nightmare Moon. Trixie came to a halt just outside of the town, her rough breathing calming as a wave of exhaustion washed over her body, the long trek from Appaloosa hadn’t been as relaxing as she had hoped. Time to set the stage. She thought, compelling her aching body back to action; Trixie began the ritual of preparing her cart for the show, first dismounting herself then... Whoooooosh… A gust of wind brushed against Trixie’s sweaty fur soothing her stiff stature. She sighed deeply, as the beautiful weather finally registered in her previously occupied mind. She stood resting momentarily, a calm serenity taking hold as her gaze drifted toward the sun rising above the tree line to proclaim the beginning of a new day. Creak. “NO!” Trixie screamed as she turned and darted after her cart which was picking up speed down the slight incline. Trixie snagged the cart's mount with her teeth, digging her hooves into the ground as the two slowed to a stop. “No, no you don’t, Prestige. No one runs from The Great and Powerful Trixie. Not again.” she mumbled into the leather girth caught between her teeth. The freezing-cold Foul Mountains had taught Trixie an important lesson. Never leave your cart, Prestige, unattended, gravity has a sick sense of humor. Trixie tugged at Prestige, pulling it into a grove surrounded by tall bushes. Then she methodically surrounded each wheel with dozens of small rocks. She would not be the victim of another cart gone loose incident, and until she could buy a new cart-break this was the only solution. Now secure, Prestige sat in the middle of the grove awaiting its master’s inspection. Trixie happily obliged the cart, diving first into the pyrotechnics. Trixie's specialized collection of rockets, flairs, and sparklers were sporadically clustered throughout the cart. Trixie groaned as she cleared the small living area of the rocketry, the bumpy trip having knocked several items onto the floor and bed. Trixie placed fireworks back in their rightful places, counting them as she did. Trixie continued for another half-hour, arranging the living space back to what was comfortable and a quick maintenance check thereafter. Maintenance checklist complete she pulled the lever. The cart worked much like a jack-in-the-box transforming the unsuspecting yellow cart into a small stage with an array of contraptions. The complex mechanical miracle had been the result of hundreds of hours of tinkering, the small minute details gave the small broad stage an aura of both exhilaration and mysticism. Trixie stood back admiring the masterpiece which was her Prestige. The many gadgets and eye candy plastered across the weathered stage sent a torrent of nostalgia through the magician, reinvigorating her passion for performance. Trixie pulled a different lever, collapsing the hidden stage back into the unsuspecting cart. Now, time to get to work! Trixie grinned as she compiled her plans, a giddy joy visible in her movements. Where’s that checklist again. She fumbled through her saddleback till pulling out a small notepad, with the words “Idea bank” on the back. Firstly, I need to build up some hype. In the past, newspapers seemed to have worked to my advantage. Very easy to work with and great for getting lots of viewers. Trixie bit her lip I just wish I knew a mare in the local press who could run news real for me. That’s off the list if I want to make a shortstop. Trixie looked down at the notepad again ‘Use children to market your shows so that parents will be dragged along for the ride.’ Haven’t used this one yet. Well, there is a first for everything. more ideas formed as Trixie scribbled in her notepad. A massive maniacal grin overtook her usually broad face as she finished scribbling. Trixie chuckled to herself and headed to the local schoolyard. Its wasn't a long walk but after such a long journey Trixie's pace left little to be asked for in term of speed, or stealth. A half an hour later she arrived at the fence which bordered the local foul school. She was lucky, the school had just let out for recess. Trixie peered through the fence rails scouting for her soon to be volunteer promoters. Getting volunteer promoters would take some doing, but this wasn't Trixie’s first time trying something risky in the name of advancing her image. Trixie, prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best beginning “Operation Marionette”. The school bell rang, stifling the calm late-morning air with its abrupt arrival. Fouls began to pour out of the school, the usual chaos calmed by mixture of worry and relief. Two fouls in particular, Snips and Snails absentmindedly fumbling into the schoolyard. “Why do tests have to be so hard?” Snails complained. “Yeah dude, that entire test was really hard, everything but that last question I just guessed on.” Snails chuckled, “Yea, I liked that one, an easy one for sure. I put D.” “What?” Snips interjected, “but the answer was A. Don’t you remember anything from class.” “Uhhh Snails, I am pretty sure that Pegasus need magic to fly. One of my uncles, Uncle Brandy I think. He’s a Pegasus and he said that the wing is only part of the reason he can fly.” “That’s not magic, magic is what unicorns do with their horns.” snips barked back. “No, Pegasus also use magic!” Snails said raising his voice. “Uhhhh. I am pretty sure that one was E. Actually,” a colt smaller interrupted. “What?” Snips and Snails exclaimed. The intruder, a colt with the white coat and dark brown mane continued, “Yea, back home I heard that all ponies have magic, even the Earth Ponies,” the newcomer stated somewhat confidently. “Oh, and who are you?” Snips accused. “Pipsqueak, I join your class this week, remember?” “Ohh, you're from Trottingham, right?” snails asked. “Yep,” nodded Pipsqueak, “best city in the world!” “Well, I am not sure what they say over there, but here in Ponyville magic is for unicorns only!” Snips exclaimed. “Pegasus and Uni . . .” “Unicorns!” Snips hollered trying the end the argument with yelling power. “No, Pegasus def-” “Why don’t you go ask Cheerilee?” Pip interjected. “Good idea, Let's-” Snails said. “No!” retorted snips, “If we ask Cheerilee we’ll become teacher’s pets.” Snips and snail both made gaging faces, as they considered the consequences. “You're right, but then how do we . . .” The two looked toward the younger colt expectantly. “Hmm, You could ask another student, I hear that Sweetie bell gets a perfect score on every test. I sit next to her and she talks ‘bout how her sister wants her to get the best education. She is always complaining ‘bout how she has better things to do than sit at home and work on school." “Ok, then let’s go talk to Sweetie belle. Uhhh... where is she?” Snips said. “I think she is over by sandboxes, before the test she was talking about wanting to try out a new pattern or something,” Pip Squeak, shuffled to take his leave. “Come on, let’s go!” Snips said hurriedly as he ran off. “Uhhh, thanks Pip,” Snails said before turning and running after Snips. “Uh yeah, no problem.” Snips and snails ran to the sandboxes. “AHHHH! It’s moving!” a scream echoed throughout the yard. The two foals tripped at the sudden outburst, crashing into each other rolling to a stop at the source of the scream. Diamond Tierra was sitting at the edge of the sandbox, eyes wide as her hooves flailed wildly trying to pull her body away from the thing. What she was referring to was a glowing wooden puppet mechanically walking toward the sandboxes. The toy was a simple creature composed of a small body with four extruded legs and unusually large head. Its mane, if you could call it that, was a stiff curl of brown hair about its neck. “How’s it going my little ponies?” No response came from the foals, as an eerie silence enveloping the crowd. The group eyed the toy suspiciously. “Ehhh I usually get this reaction, I know I am not a pony.” A few of the larger fouls gave it a threatening look as they approached. “But please don't hurt me,” it pleaded. “Hurt you? But you're the most adorable thing ever!” Sweetie Belle squeaked. Moving up to the toy. “Well thanks” the toy grimaced in surprise. “But I wouldn't even be alive if it weren't for this one pony. The most beautiful and magical unicorn I ever laid eyes on” The doll gazed into the distance with its eyes detached from the world. “You see, she's the one that made me.” “WHAT?” Snips and Snails exclaimed. “I was...” the toy began. “You mean that you were given life, by a pony?” snips rudely interrupted. “Yep, all I remember is that one day I woke up and The Great and Powerful Trixie was there. Since then she has let me be her assistant, and I am here to see if anyone wants to come with me this afternoon to see The Great and Powerful Trixie perform magical feats beyond imagination right here in Ponyville!” The ponies became ecstatic with excitement at the idea of seeing a unicorn that could make their toys come to life. “Now remember to bring your parents, you wouldn't want them to be worried about where you were” A few of the ponies winced at the idea of having to convince their parents to come to the show. “Don't worry The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't charge for her to shows.” A cheer range out as the ponies rejoiced at the opportunity to see a real magic show. There was a buzz in the air as the hyperactive colts and fillies ran about in excitement for the evening’s entertainment. The creature leaked a guilty smile at the crowd as their hype grew and grew to riotous levels. But then, like clockwork, the bell rang out across the schoolyard. A torrent of moans cascaded through the crowd as the fouls headed back to their classes. “Well, I’ll see you at the performance, remember to bring your parents,” the doll turned to walk out of the yard but was stopped by Snips and Snails. “So,” Snips started, “I was wondering if The Great and Powerful Trixie ever told you anything about magic.” “Well, I should get going . . . I don’t want my master to worry that I've gotten lost.” “Please, it’s just a quick question.” The toy stopped walking, “Ok but make it quick, I really need to go help The Great and Powerful Trixie prepare for this afternoon.” “Ok, the question is: What kinds of Ponies have magic?” A. Unicorn. B. Pegasus. C. Earth Ponies. D. A & B. E. All of the above. Snails stated verbatim from the test. “Well, the answer is E. Anyone should know that. But Unicorns are the only ones with any real magic, they just say that Pegasus and Earth Ponies have magic because it makes us all equals, even when we aren’t.” “Snips and Snails, hurry on inside we are starting class soon” Cheerilee called. “Ohh, uhhh, what do you mean by equal?" Snips asked. "Snips, hurry up!" Cherrilee called frustrated at the colt's tardiness. "Ehhh, ok thanks, bye.” Snips ended before running inside. The toy happily skipped across the schoolyard to joined its “master” in the bushes. “Yes!” Trixie squealing with the excitement of a filly who just got her cutie mark. The plan went perfectly! She sat there resting in the bushes, a smile etched across her sweaty face. Trixie was proud of her setup, using a telekinetic reflection spell on the doll and herself while simultaneously powering the short-range transmitter. It was a challenging combination, but not beyond her abilities and so evidently very convincing. She started wondering why nopony else hadn’t ever done this before, children were the perfect tools for advertisement. There was some serious potential for advertisement here. Foals were persistent, energetic, and annoying the best qualities for any advertiser. Trixie took another glance back the schoolyard admiring her work as the last few foals disappeared into the building. Her eyes shifted back to her miracle worker, the transmitter. The device was old, she had been told that there were only a few others like it left in the world. When she was an assistant for Jack Rabbit’s magic show in Manehattan before her days as a traveling performer she had access to some of the more sophisticated enchanted tools used in the industry. Black Flair formerly known as Jack Rabbit for his famous rabbit in a hat trick used these tools to communicate while doing high-level escape tricks so that he could communicate with his co-workers if there were ever any complications. Trixie always admired Black Flair for his tenacity to try ever increasingly challenging stunts. Although after the incident she was left without work and the entire studio was shut down, the admiration she once held for the stallion was now shame and disappointment. She hadn't seen him since and the void left in the wake of her unemployment was unforgivable. The entire affair was simply unforgivable. Though on the positive side of things, during the chaos of the studio closing down... Well, let’s just say Trixie thought she deserved some extra payment for her work and acquired a few trinkets as a pension before the condemned studio closed down for good. Maybe it’s time I start practicing some of those higher-level tricks. The last few performances were more flair than substance. She sighed, committing to more studying in the future. Trixie only used production, vanishing, and restoration type magic tricks which encompassed most of the commonly practiced acts. She had considered adapting other tricks into her performances. For this show, however, simple tricks would be the best since any added complexities would be lost on her audience and also make the show unnecessarily difficult. Never enough room for error... Magician’s Oath started to play in the back of Trixie’s head, like a tape recorder magically engrained into her brain it reminded her. As a magician I promise to never to reveal the secrets of my magic to a non-magician, unless that one swears to uphold the Magician’s Oath in turn. I promise never to perform any magic for any non-magician without first practicing the effect until I can perform safely without error. I promise to uphold the wellbeing of my fellow magicians and audience above all other ambition.” And I promise The Great and Powerful Trixie will rise above them all! Trixie always liked to add that little part at the end but dared not say it out loud back under Black Flair’s tutorage. The proud stallion always had a thing for order and made the whole staff repeat the oath at the start of each day. At first, Trixie was very irritated by the elongated oath, but the oath soon became routine and over time she took a liking to it. Now the oath served as a focal point to which she could center her mind. A single statement that brought her magic and performing finesse to their peaks. Hours passed as Trixie set up the final details for the show. The streets of Ponyville lined with expectant ponies as she happily pulled Prestige through Ponyville. Trixie was thrilled to see the large crowd awaiting her arrival in the town square. Taking in a few deep breaths, she glances back to her audience preparing herself to start the performance. The audience size was amazing she really underestimated the effectiveness of her advertisement. Trixie momentarily regretted saying that show was a free performance, she could have made bank with this crowd. Focus! Now is not the time to get sidetracked, there might be the elements of harmony out there and I can't let myself be shadowed by them. She breathed a few more times. Then began! > Chapter 2: Collateral Damage > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Come one, come all!” Trixie’s powerful voice vibrated through the crowd, “come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” smoke spewed from the cart as Trixie's mechanical miracle transformed into a stage revealing the caped mare. The audience was already awestruck over her eloquent entrance. Trixie's heart rate skyrocketed as her eyes glazed over the crowd. In the front row, she spotted what looked to be all six elements of harmony, eyeing her with suspicion. Trixie smiled at the approaching challenge.  Well, it has been a while since I pushed myself. So let the games begin!” She thought briefly before fully immersing herself in the act. She held herself high, placing a hoof to her chest with poise. “Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!” Trixie telekinetically released a pack of fireworks and powered up a few stage effects for added spectacle. The flares sprawled over the crowd igniting the crowd with excitement. “My, my, my! What boasting!” A voice echoes through the crowd, noticeably diminishing its excitement. Trixie resisted the urge to wince as the remark sounded. It seemed to have come from one of the elements. Trixie then started her performance routine by starting her first production trick, the trick was wasn't hard, but it was effective given the audience was into it. The crowd's cheers died down, distracted as the front row started side conversations. Trixie kept her cool and ignored the distraction. poof! the flowers teleported in just as she had practiced several weeks before her tour. It was quiet... Trixie was inwardly furious. the front row was ruining her show. “Nothin' at all, 'cep'n when someone goes around showin' it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons.” The orange pony stated bluntly as the brief silence accentuated her remark. Trixie couldn't help but feel stung by the insult.  Trixie was about to start her next trick when Rarity started up. “Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us.” SERIOUSLY? Shut up! This my show! Trixie's thoughts raged uncontrollably as her attention noticeably locked on the front row. “Especially when ya got me around being better than the rest of us.” The blue pegasus smirked arrogantly as she hovered above the rest of the crowd. ARGHHHHH! Trixie mentally screamed. These ponies have no respect. If you want to talk do your own show, STOP STEALING MINE! Trixie frowned, her thoughts turbulent thoughts breaking her performer’s mask. “Eh, I mean, yeah, uh, magic shmagic. Boo!” The pegasus remarked.  You come to my free performance. You interrupt my show. You talk down to me like a child... Then to sum it up, you boo at me! Trixie mentally raged as she focused on her new opponents. THIS IS WAR! The world slowed as Trixie’s mind raced, searching desperately for a counter-attack to recover her rapidly crumbling show. Trixie had seen this kind of aggressive crowd before. After the incident, Black Flair was faced by an audience akin to a lynch mob. The consequences of his performance essentially erased any hope for the studio’s recovery. Unfortunately, Trixie had no better ideas. The plan was a classic; Bait and Trample. The strategy was perhaps a bit taboo because it gave entertainment to the masses at the expense of a few, presumably random, audience members. It was cheap, but it was the only way Trixie could come out on top. It was a gamble considering the small-town audience, but it looked like the only road back to a functional performance. “Well, well, well.” she spouted shortly at the crowd. “It seems we have some neigh-sayers in the audience. Who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie?” She taunted, throwing a menacing glare across the audience. “Do they not know that they're in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?” “Just who does she think she is?” Rarity questioned. Yes, take the bait. Challenge me I dare you! “Yeah! Since we all know that Twilight here is. . .” the dragon was cut off by Twilight which seemed to be his guardian. Nopony dared accept the challenge. It seemed that they needed a little bit more prodding. Trixie let loose another pack of fireworks hoping to spur the crowd, and more specifically the front row, into either submission or aggression. Nothing happened for the next few seconds. A few coy whispers pervaded the audience, but nopony made a move. Maybe Trixie misread the crowd. Trixie considered dropping the Bait and Trample; just accepting it and moving on, But just as the thought crossed her mind, Rainbow Dash darted at her face at a thundering pace, imposing herself inches from Trixie’s. Trixie winced, startled by the near-crash. In preparation for the battle soon to commence, she compiled an array of insults and other tricks to assert her superiority. “So, ‘Great and Powerful Trixie.’ What makes you think you're so awesome, anyway?” the pegasus questioned, hovering in front of Trixie with an indignant facial expression. Trixie was unimpressed by the lackluster assault. Taking the opportunity to utilize her show equipment she released a lever backstage. A mist of magical particles flooded into the air. They showered over the stage until Trixie formed them into a cartoonish apparition.  The magic dust was originally designed to make illusory fireflies run through the audience, but in reality, the dust could take any form, given enough magical manipulation. The dust took form into the figure of an Ursa major. Trixie began narrating the scene. “Heh, why, only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded Ursa Major! When all hope was lost, the ponies of Hoofington had no one to turn to, but the Great and Powerful Trixie stepped in, and with her awesome magic, vanquished the ursa major and sent it back to its cave deep within the Everfree Forest!” The figure of the Ursa exploding into an array of particles, spraying across the audience. “Ahhh...” the crowd cheered as the particles dispersed. Trixie was overjoyed, it was working, the taboo known as Bait and Trample was working. . . The crowd was in awe, this is what Trixie lived for. She loved seeing ponies make that face of amazement. She loved the cheering, and the energy of her admirers as she blew minds and inspired the old and young. The thrill-filled her heart with joy and gave her purpose. Show business was the one thing she really loved in this world; the only thing she couldn't live without. The foals from the school were all cheering loudly, claiming that she was the best unicorn in all Equestria. The baby dragon desperately competed with the others claiming that his friend Twilight was better. Time for a little flaunting, I need to leave a good impression. Trixie mentally rationalized. Calming her nerves by the acknowledgment that if there were any problems she could simply continue the Bait and Trample. She then proudly followed the lead of the young fouls. “It's true, my enthusiastic little admirers. Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville.” The crowd went silent. BUCK Trixie’s tethering psyche squeaked. Her mind began racing again, it hadn't been two minutes since she won the crowd back over and now they all looked at her with hostility. Guess I'll continue the plan — It’s all or nothing! Trixie thought, mentally preparing herself. “Don't believe the Great and Powerful Trixie? Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians. Anything you can do, I can do better.” There was an eerie silence. Again nopony approached.  “Any takers? Anyone? Hmm?” Trixie trying to push somepony over the edge continued. “Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived?” She let another pack of fireworks lose for dramatic effect. The Bait and Trample was now in full effect. There was no turning back now as she had just opened the floodgates, aiming for the jackpot! To Trixie's surprise no pony came forward, could she be lucky enough to clean up her performance without any real consequences? It seemed all too easy. Then out of the corner of her eye, she saw that dragon again begging Twilight to challenge her. She thought it best to end this before the show got any messier. Twilight would be a good target: she looked shy and would burn under the stage fright even if she accepted the challenge. Her magical potential didn't mean squat if she couldn't use it in front of others. She was the perfect target. “Hmm,” Trixie brought a hoof to her chin. “How about you?” Trixie pointed at the purple unicorn. Twilight caved under the pressure, her plan was working. Pushing the issue further she continued the assault. “Well, how about it? Hm? Is there anything you can do that the Great and Powerful Trixie can't?” Twilight stammered a bit as Trixie’s stare battered her into submission.  To her left, Applejack stood with a look of pure disgust and anger painted across her face. The other part of Trixie's mind took over. Turning toward the orange pony, “Well, little hayseed?” mentally salivating over her new prey. “That's it! I can't stand for no more of this!” she barked. Trixie couldn't help but let out a small, devilish grin before the crowd as the mare trotted forward right into her trap. The baby dragon ironically encouraged the mare, a proud earth pony, to her doom. “Can your magical powers do this?” The mare then swung her rope as proficiently as a professional cattle driver. The rope work was quite impressive, but it was obvious that trick was merely a consequence of her job on the ranch. The crowd, however, was impressed— making Trixie uneasy. She finished, “Top that, missy.” Time for a little payback! A fierce grin overtaking her face. “Oh, ye of little talent. Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie!” Trixie was apprehensive of her situation, she needed to be careful what she did; the crowd was against her. She decided that her original plan — turning the mare's mane color into a blood-red and launching fireworks at the earth pony after strapping her to a horizontal spinning wheel — would probably make the crowd lynch her. So, she chose the next best thing. Trixie first distracted the mare by waving her part of her lasso in front of her. Trixie’s held in her laughter, as the mare comically eyed the lasso; like a kitten does a ball of string. Trixie took the opportunity to snag an apple from the tree while winding the rope around the mare’s hooves. Seconds later the mare was upside down with a priceless expression plastered across her face. Then for the finishing touch, she shoved the apple in the earth pony’s mouth, silencing her probable protests. Finishing her trick she was awarded a cheer from the crowd. Trixie was thankful that the trick didn't come off as simple revenge as the audience laughed and applauded her. She didn't like entertainment at the expense of others, though she was happy to admit this mare was an exception. “Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails!” she hoped to end the show on that final note. She had her revenge, claimed her superiority, there was nothing to gain from dragging this out. She has accomplished what she came there for. “There's no need to go struttin' around and showin' off like that.” The pegasus shouted over the crowd. “Oh?” Trixie raised an eyebrow but inwardly scolded herself for the missed opportunity to end the show. “That's my job!” The pegasus bolted forward, leaving after-images as she flew. The gust of air in her wake was deafening as she approached a nearby windmill, catching the blades as she spun about them. After building momentum and speed she catapulted herself through the air, smashing through dozens of clouds until reaching the apex of her flight. After a quick pose, she darted back toward the ground with lightning-fast speeds, taking with her droplets of water from the clouds. The crowd was audibly concerned as the pegasus approached the windmill once more, taking hold of its blades slowing her speed slightly then releasing flinging the mare back upon the stage. The water particles which followed created a sizable rainbow for the audience to admire.  “They don't call me "Rainbow" and "Dash" for nothin'!” She touted as she finished her performance. The crowd applauded awaiting Trixie's rebuttal. Trixie was impressed by the act. It was flashy, eccentric, and inspiring. Everything a good show needs. She was a little ashamed she would need to ruin it.  Well, I guess she did boo at me, so this will make us even. she thought. There was little about the performance she could mock, so she decided to fall back on some insults. “When Trixie is through, the only thing they'll call you is loser.” Trixie channeled her magic through her bounding the water particles together like a chain, then wrapped the mare up, spinning her violently. Adding a bit of telekinesis to spin the pegasus into the air like a miniature tornado made of rainbow and pony. The audience enjoyed the counter-performance immensely. Trixie took the opportunity to continue her assault, using her magic she built up an electric cloud behind the stunned pegasus. Crash! A small strike of lightning discharged. The dizzy pegasus screeched in surprise like a little filly during her first nightmare moon night. More applause from the crowd, Trixie seemed to have struck a chord with the crowd as it appeared they held some contempt for this ‘Rainbow Dash.’ Trixie on the other hoof was a little worried. She has just verbally and physically assaulted what she believed to be two Elements of Harmony, and there was only so much damage that could be done before forgiveness was out of reach. Although on the bright side, Trixie had the stage back under her control once again. She was getting good at this Bait and Trample. She recognized that the blue pegasus was easy, but the next, if there was one, might not be. She prepared herself, for what she hoped was her last opponent. The crowd seemed intent on forcing the shy purple unicorn up on the stage. “What we need-” the baby dragon said, somehow trying to represent the crowd as a whole “-is another unicorn to challenge her someone with magic of her own” he said nudging the purple unicorn. “Yeah!” The Rainbow Dash said, following the baby dragon’s lead. “A unicorn to show this unicorn whose boss!” “A real unicorn to unicorn tussle!” the Applejack encouraged. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Rarity burst forward out of the crowd. “Enough. Enough, all of you.” She started with an aristocratic aura, “I take your hint, but Rarity is above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace.” Trixie appreciated the facade her new target held, an easy target to be sure. This gracious, self-dignifying fashionista flaunted her mane about the crowd as she approached the stage. Trixie decided that it was best to give her the first move as that seemed to be working quite well so far. She taunted her in an attempt to move the show along, no need to wait for the inevitable. “Ooo, what's the matter?’ Trixie taunted the mare. “Afraid you'll get a hair out of place in that rat's nest you call a mane?” Trixie taunted the fashionista. “Oh, it. Is. On!” She stated gruffly, glaring at Trixie. “You may think you're tough with all of your so-called powers, but there's more to magic than your brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle.” Her horn began to glow “A unicorn needs to have style.”   The Rarity then commenced to rip down the stage's backdrop and make a dress out of it. Trixie couldn't help but remember the backdrop cost her 5 bits back when she was building Prestige back in Manehatten. It wasn’t a large sum of money, but enough to warrant some anger at the mare's lack of appreciation for her property. When the fashionista was finished, if you could say it took her any time at all, a royal dress lay outfitted on the unicorn. A beautiful blue pristine dress adorned with gold feathers around the neck. Trixie was once again unable to find any direct way to attack the performance, it was simply stunning. Trixie noted that Rarity somehow also did up her mane to match the outfit in the same instant.  Trixie made a mental note that if they ever got past this show that she might contract Rarity when she finally got to the big stage in Canterlot. Unable to trump Rarity's performance, Trixie thought it best to stick to what she already knew was her weak spot. Rarity's mane was apparently a point of great pride. Green seems like a fitting color, the color fits her obvious envy for Trixie’s show style. Trixie thought a moment longer, Green it is. “Quick! I need a mirror!” She reacted in a state of frantic delirium “Get me a mirror! What did she do to my hair? I know she did something terrible to my hair!” Rarity flared about frantically. Trixie couldn't hold back any longer, she let out a small giggle at the figure before her, which surpassed even greatest actresses of Manehatten in terms of her dramatic presence. Trixie let out a low sigh, she was winning, but at what cost. She didn't enjoy this Bait and Trample as much as a normal show, which was less stressful by far and much more rewarding. However, losing to this crowd would be humiliating. All that remained was Twilight which was being prompted to act by that baby dragon. Trixie glanced at the annoying baby dragon, It was like he wanted these fights. He wanted for there to be somepony humiliated. The baby dragon’s blind admiration toward his guardian had been the building blocks of this entire catastrophe. Even now his actions further elongate the suffering. If anyone were to blame for this, it should be that foolish baby dragon, and Applejack too. Trixie snapping to attention as the little dragon continued to try and tempt the purple unicorn into a fight. Trixie was tired and thought it better to end this before any more ponies are left hating her guts. She knew she was shy and with none of her friends looking to protect her this time, she aimed to scare her away and end the show in one fell swoop. “I'm not better than anyone.” the unicorn sputtered at the dragon. Trixie overheard the purple mare's exasperated mumbles. Taking this as her opportunity to end the show she pretended to misunderstand, “Hah! You think you're better than the Great and Powerful Trixie? You think you have more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you've got. Show us all,” she waved a hoof to the large crowd. “Who, me?” the purple unicorn hesitantly replied “I'm just your run-of-the-mill citizen of Ponyville. No powerful magic here. I, uh... I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry, gotta go.” Twilight burst to life, scurrying away. Trixie was a little at ends with that last statement, ‘run-of-the-mill.’ Did she mistake her for an element of harmony when she wasn't? Trixie knew she was shy and therefore wouldn't accept her challenge onstage. If she was the element of magic, she should have at least enough pride to say something. Well, no matter, the stage is clear and the curtains are closing. Trixie, now exhausted from the stressful show and physical demands of the magic, wrapped up the show flaunting her abilities before the crowd as they dispersed to resume their daily lives. The crowd was filing out when she caught the eye of two young colts. “Snips, Snails, I believe you owe my assistance a favor for a certain test answer. You can make it up to him by getting me a smoothie and a hay burger, extra hay.” “Sure thing Trixie,” Snips said enthusiastically. Trixie pulled the lever, Prestige hiding its wonders to grant her some peace and quiet to mull over her next move. Grabbing a brush and mirror, Trixie started to comb her mane. Stress leaking out of her with every brush stroke. Uneasiness in her gut remained. Trixie felt perturbed by her actions, she felt dirty. She had committed a major taboo and won. Well, she wasn't sure if she had “won” quite yet. The show ended before the crowd got angry, yes but it would be a lie to say the show had a great finale. > Chapter 3: The Awakening > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- drip drip sooo hot... drip drip Damn that mechanic, why didn’t he come to fix the air conditioning before graduation? Trixie thought as sweat dripped from her brow. Trixie looked over to see her friend, Fugal, silently mouthing something to her. “Trixie. Trixie.” They made eye contact. “Hoof-fan,” the pegasus mouthed. Fugal then slipped a thin piece of paper with slits of wood embedded into the page for structure. Trixie accepted the fan, grinning. “Thanks,” Trixie mouthed back, taking the fan and smiling back at her friend. Trixie then waved the fan subtly behind the chair in front of her. A few ponies around her gave her envious looks as the two relished the air current. Fortunately, nopony made any particular fuss, after all, it was graduation. “...And now, I’d like to introduce our student speaker for today’s commencement. A few words from your student body president Fugal Moonglade.” “Good luck,” Trixie mouthed at Fugal, as her friend turned to trot up to the podium. Fugal gently glided up to the podium, her aquamarine coat and silver mane portraying the fine grace of a well-practiced speaker. “Ladies and gentlecolts, today I am privileged not only to represent our wonderful student body as president, but also as today’s speaker. Firstly, I’d like to thank our valedictorian, Trixie for giving me the opportunity to speak on her behalf. Such a friend is an emblem to what this school represents: love, sharing, and, most of all, learning together. Today we take a big step forward into the world. We know not where we will go, but we will go together. And I speak to my fellow students, as much as to the audience in attendance when I say this: we will all make mistakes. I can say this from experience; from hundreds of assignments which were riddled with red ink; from forgetting my lunch. It's going to happen. That in mind, I am sure you all remember there was one such mistake this last fall.” The ponies on stage giggled, as they recalled the event.  Trixie laughed remembering the not too distant memories of ‘The Stig’ crashing a carriage into the side of the school building sped into her head. The crazy earth pony was trying to “drift”, he said. But all that happened was two ponies got sent to the nurse's office for snow rash and a newly furnished hole sat in the east hallway’s wall. Trixie remembered how school was canceled for the next few weeks as repairs were made. It was a good time. Fugal continued, “The point I am trying to make is that sometimes you make mistakes, and when you make mistakes you need to remember…  No. You need to force yourself to try again. I don’t know exactly what a “drift” is - however, I do know that The Stig wanted to be the best racer in the world! And to that, I wish him the best of luck. I pray that you never lose sight of your dream. And that goes for us as a class, we are going out into a big world with lots of ponies. Keep sight of your dreams and together we can make them a reality. Thank you.” Fugal’s speech was met by a roar of applause as the audience stomped their hooves into the ground appreciatively. Fugal then came back to her seat, an approving smile coming from Trixie. “Good job,” Trixie whispered. “Thanks for letting me speak,” Fugal whispered back as the applause died down. “Thank you, Ms. Moonglade, for that wonderful speech. And just to be clear, we have recently installed a concrete barrier to prevent such an accident,” the agitated principal spoke. “Now, on behalf of the faculty and the ever-faithful PTA, I am proud to present Elizabeth Primary School Class of ‘87 with their diplomas.” The principle left the podium, moving to center stage where a decorative table held hundreds of diplomas. Trixie sat there waiting her turn, musing over the speech, her mind wandered as it often did when not attending a task. She analyzed the structure, message, and delivery with friendly scrutiny. Unfortunately, Trixie found herself impatiently tapping the floor beneath her, there is only so much analysis that can be done on a five-minute speech. Bored with the idea of having to wait, she counted, three, four, five more rows. Letting out another low sigh her eyes drifted, resting as they fell upon the audience. Trixie's curiosity had been peaked with a new topic to occupy her anxious mind. Her view wasn't great, but the auditorium was quite nice with several levels for the audience to look upon the stage. She peered at the crowd full of energy. Trixie was surprised, she had suspected that she would feel small and pressured as most who struggle with speaking do in front of massive crowds, however, the adverse was true; it felt good. There was this buzz about the audience, a dull, hazy mixture of emotions, which Trixie found entirely appetizing to watch. The energy of the crowd faded, bringing Trixie back to reality. Trixie smiled, as she visually sorted through the audience finding whole families, friends, and others who she had known while at Elizabeth. Trixie eyed the parents in particular musing in how many had come, it was nice to see all these ponies gather together for the sake of their children. Trixie bit her lip, stuttering the part of her mind tempting a dangerous thought. She had to keep those emotions bottled up. It needs to be this way, she rationalized. It's better this way. The solid argument persuaded the pooling thoughts to leave her brain quickly focusing back to the audience for another look to distract herself. “Hmmmm, this is interesting,” the analytical part of Trixie's mind started to reel. Trixie had begun to notice a pattern. It seemed that there were a few different reactions from the audience. There was the type of pony that just barely passed filly school and hadn't received any awards, these ponies received a small number of stomps from the audience and then really loud cheers from their friends and family in the audience. Then there were the few that received a few awards such as a letter in athletics or academics. These seemed to receive the best reception as these students were well known and therefore much of the audience participated in the congratulating. Trixie wondered how they would react to herself, she had the highest scores in every class she had taken. Although that wouldn't mean she would receive the loudest applause. The row in front of Trixie rose and slowly trotted to the front. Trixie mentally prepared herself, after this she would be done. Nervously, she fiddled with her hooves waiting for her row to be called up. The row in front of her refilled, the ponies were noticeably more relaxed. Then Mrs. Shimmer, Trixie's previous magic professor and the one responsible for helping Trixie get her cutie mark, orchestrated her row to stand. Trixie's mind went blank at the order, following the instructions perfectly without a moment's delay. They lined the front of the stage, Trixie became unnerved at the massive crowd which now looked upon her. “Rumble Ramble” the speaker announced. It was almost too much for her to take, it was so different from before, the energy of the crowd was overwhelming. Like the sun that is so beautiful to look at, but burns at the same time. Trixie's heart was racing now, fully alert. “Rocky Silver” She forced herself to look away from fear that the energy she was feeling would render her unconscious. Trixie felt a shiver of excitement, the pony in front of her was walking up to receive her diploma. “Vinyl Scratch” The audience exploded with cheers and whistles as a large group of ponies near the front screamed and hollered like there were at a New Year's Eve. The sound those ponies made was deafening, Trixie almost put a hoof to her ear but restrained herself, she was next. Time seemed to slow as Trixie entered the spotlight “Our valedictorian, Trixie Lulamoon!” the crowd exploded with applause. Trixie faced the crowd to see the faces of her admirers. A jolt of lightning shot down her spine. The crowd was alive! The faculty were all looking with admiration and pride at her, the crowd, everypony applauding her achievement. Trixie felt energy the likes of which she has never felt. It was like Celestia herself had just infused her with power. Trixie felt so full that her mind couldn't hold itself together, the crowds energy overtaking her puny vessel, filling her to the point where she couldn’t feel anything, except pure bliss. Trixie stood there a moment in a state of shock and enjoyment. She felt a tap on the shoulder. Trixie turned to see the principal looking at her worriedly. Trixie blushed accepting her diploma she waved a hoof to the crowd whose applause was slowly fading. Trixie walked to the right of the stage, still buzzing with the energy she waited for the row to return. “Our salutatorian and student body president, Fugal Moonglade!” The audience went wild again applauding Fugal profusely as she professionally accepted her diploma. She bowed to the audience curtly before joining Trixie, winking playfully at her apparent mishap. Trixie blushed. A moment later the row finished and Trixie started the trip back to her seat. The feeling, the energy, it left her as fast as it came. Trixie’s hooves grew heavy, the butterflies no longer present. The few moments on stage felt like hours. Trixie's mind finally came back to her. what was that? she wondered. As she was more of an academic type, Trixie had never had so many people cheer for her. The sensation rebounded in her mind a thousand times a second. Trixie's eyes gazed into the crowd in awe of the energy it had given her. Trixie received a nudge to take her seat. She blushed, embarrassed as Fugal anxiously motioned her to sit. Trixie's heart grew colder as she did, the light which once filled her was now slowly fading. She looked up again to see the crowd from her row, the energy spiking for an instance before vanishing entirely. Trixie, grunted as she felt her body go numb, the lovely sensation of bliss replaced by helpless confusion and emptiness. Trixie glared at the front row. Oh, how she now envied the front row. Her mind now filled with regret for not taking the speaking position her mind and heart aching with every thought. She put a hoof to her chest, feeling a hole manifest itself where the crowd's light and energy once filled. Trixie silently whimpered as the all too familiar feelings once again took hold. Even at graduation, it seemed she couldn’t be free of them. A single tear formed. Then another, quietly making their presence known to the ponies around her. Trixie looked away from Fugal, pretending to have caught something of interest in the crowd. This wasn’t the first time Trixie had, well, precipitation in the eyes. Trixie was very familiar with blank tears. She often had them in class randomly, or while eating dinner, or even while playing outside of all things. Uncontrollable and inevitable they came silent and without reason. In the past, Trixie tried so hard to make them stop, but she knew better now that it was useless to try. One of the many things she had learned about herself over these last years was that she had no control over these unexplained tears. However this time, the tear felt very normal, and although worth hiding from Fugal. Trixie stared off into the crowd trying to omit all emotions and memories. Her conscious mind begging her emotional psyche for solitude and peace. The last row took its seat behind Trixie. The principle then continued her speech, Trixie paid no attention to the remainder of the speech with her head hung low in her hooves trying to hide her tears. She sat there for what seemed like an eternity, dazed by her emotions as the world warped around her. “Trixie, Trixie!” Fugal nuzzled the whimpering mare, “Trixie, are you alright?” Trixie finally came to, having missed tossing her cap she now sat in the middle of the group of ponies filling out. “I’ll be alright,” Trixie sniffed, “just let me... clean myself up.” “Ok, if you’re sure you’re ok, I am going to go meet up with my parents. Remember, we are going to be at 'table A' and bring an appetite. I don’t want Ms. Sniffles anywhere near the deserts.” Fugal smiled widely, trying to improve Trixie's mood. Trixie giggled, a smile cracking onto her forlorn face as memories of one specific birthday party flooded in, “Ok, I’ll see you there.” she waved Fugal off as she went to greet her parents. Forcing herself to the restroom, Trixie quickly trotted off, head downcast to avoid as many faces as possible. Her eyes frantically glanced upward for a restroom sign. Finding her target destination she bolted for the facility. A loud scream later, she opened the door and gracefully entered another.  When Trixie arrived she was greeted by a forlorn face, with four tears traced lines downward from her eyes. Trixie stifled a giggle at her ridiculous reflection, the mirror giving her every reason in the world to clean herself up. After a half dozen splashes of water in the face and a quick brushing, Trixie joined Fugal in the reception room. The reception room itself was a massive room, well-lit by a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. At the room's perimeter were tables cluttered about with fancy Hors d'oeuvre and other dishes ranging from small salads to cupcakes to candy bars. The room itself was already packed, clusters of ponies sitting and wandering about getting food and socializing. Groups of three and four everywhere with an occasional large group together chatting about the ceremony and what they all planned to do with their lives.   Trixie glanced over toward the buffet, spotting Fugal and a few of their friends waiting in line. “Hey, Fugal, so, sorry about that, I just-” “Don’t worry about it,” Fugal cut her off, “everypony gets a little emotional during graduation. Come on let's get some food.” She waved for her to cut in line. Trixie smiled, joining the group in line. “So, Fugal,” Another pony asked, “what are your plans? I heard a rumor that you were going to try and join the guard or something, is that right?” “Well, I am considering the possibility. There are some really great opportunities in the guard. Plus, I don’t really have anything else I am terribly interested in. Although just for fun I would prefer the Night Guard, their uniforms are much better than the Solar Guard.” The group laughed. “What?” Fugal said in mock offense, “Style is at least half of the job, I’ll need to look impressive, and the Night Guard uniform is just better. It really is a shame the dayguard has such a simple and boring design.” “Uhh, Fugal,” Trixie spoke up, her eye fidgeting “I read somewhere that the Night Guard is just a myth, the special forces division of the guard, and specifically the Night Guard was dissolved a long time ago.” “Ohh come on Trixie, you can’t believe everything you read. They’ve got to be out there. Who do you think keeps Equestria safe at night? hmmmm?” Trixie smirked, “Fine, maybe they do exist, but I am not going to believe you till you're one of them.” “Ohhhh, that sounds like a challenge. And since you beat me to valedictorian, I guess I have no other choice. I will find the Night Guard and join their legion!” the group looked at the two worriedly as the argument grew. “FINE!,” Trixie yelled, winking subtly to Fugal, “Be that way! Become the “legend”, but remember that forming the Night Guard doesn’t count.” “Says who?” Fugal rebutted in an angry tone. “Fillies,” a pony in the group tried to break the tension, “its graduation, please act your age.” “No, I can not stand for this,” Trixie huffed, crouching low in an offensive stance, “as Valedictorian I will dethrone this pegasus for her insolence.” The surrounding crowd continued to grow as more and more ponies spectated the match. “Ohhh that is how you want it to be, I see. Then we fight to the death?” Fugal yelled, a small giggle leaking through the stern face. “I wouldn’t have it any other way!” Trixie screamed, blinking twice. The two of them charging each other at full speed yelling the whole way. The crowd went wild, as ponies scrambled away; others tried to get between the two of them. Trixie and Fugal spun and dove over each other chanting “Moonglow, Moonglow, principles away, clap your hooves and dance the night away”. Trixie sending a particle explosion toward the ceiling and Fugal arcing lightning into the shape of a star. The entire ballroom was silent except for Trixie and Fugal who were laughing uproariously. “Thank you,” Trixie began, laughter making her voice barely understandable, “Thank you, thank you, we will be here all week. I mean hour, or at least till we get kicked out.” Trixie finally pulled herself together helping the still laughing Fugal off the floor. After a minute more the crowd dissipated and the line continued to go through the buffet. “So, everypony says I should join the Guard. I think I’ll give it a shot,” Fugal spoke casually to Trixie. “Really?” Trixie said, a little shocked. “I didn’t know you would be into that.” “Yea, turns out pegasus with control over their passive magic is rare, so I'll be almost guaranteed a high ranking spot in the guard if I join. That is of course after basic training, which I hear is excruciating.” “That sounds, uh, cool,” Trixie tried to sound enthusiastic. “Don’t worry Trixie, the guard isn’t all that. I will always be me, Fugal. But it does mean that I am going to be away for a few months during basic.” “So wait, you already signed up?” “Well, yea... sorry I didn’t tell you, everything got all crazy before graduation. And the sergeant, my recruiter, gave me only a few days notice before basic starts next week. Which means I’ll be leaving tomorrow.” Trixie stared wide-eyed at Fugal. Shock and sadness filling her countenance. “Hey, none of that!” Fugal spoke up, “remember its graduation, I am sure you have your own plans anyway, it's not like either of us was going to be in Manehattan for very long anyway. Speaking of which, did you decide whether you're going to university?” “Well, I talked to an adviser and they suggested that I wait a few years, take up an occupation as an apprentice or something before attending,” Trixie frowned disappointed. “There is also that invitation to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns on my desk, I still haven’t decided about that either. I mean magic has always been interesting to me, but I just don’t know if I could do that for my entire life.” “Hey, you're talking to someone entering the guard. I don’t know if I want to be in the Solar Guard, or even Night Guard if it exists. I’ll have to judge if I want to continue serving after my first tour which is only one year. But what I do know is that I have a talent for lighting, and the guard needs that. I've found something special that I excel at. I am sure you will find that special something and pursue it.” Nearing the end of the buffet, Trixie picked up a slice of chocolate cake. “I guess you're right,” she finally conceded. “I just haven’t found it yet. I hope I find it soon too; I am starting to run low on funds,” Trixie said wearily. “Well, I am sure you will find something soon,” Fugal chose her next words carefully, “and if you ever need a place to stay for a few months my doors will always be open.” “Thanks, It's good to know I have somepony looking out for me,” Trixie smiled as they headed back to their table with two plates stacked full of candy, cakes, and a few vegetables for good measure. “Hey Fugal, Trixie, we're over here,” Fugal’s parents waved them over. The two of them weaved through the crowded ballroom, nearly dropping their meal a few times before finally reach the table. “Honey, your father and I just want to let you know that we are so proud of you for getting salutatorian. Smarts don’t run particularly strong in the family, however, you have proven that with good determination and a strong will anything is possible. Congratulations!” Fugal blushed, hugging her mother affectionately. “And Trixie, thanks for helping our daughter learn so much, you have been a great influence on her as well as being awarded valedictorian, congratulations!” Trixie blushed, “It was nothing, Fugal is really smart.” “Yea, big sis, you’re wrealy smart,.” Fugal's younger brother, Esque said. The group laughed and started eating. The next few hours flew by, countless jokes, stories, and laughter echoing from the family at the table. Remembering times gone past, some good, others not so much. But like all good things, they come to an end to make way for the new. Trixie stood outside the convention, hugging Fugal tightly. “You be safe in the guard ok, I don’t want any letters telling me that you blew up or something.” “Ahh Trixie, you worry too much, I’ll be fine.” Fugal said, tightening the hug, “And don’t worry I’ll be back before you know it.” Fugal finally broke off the hug heading to where her family was waiting for her. “Goodbye, Trixie, have fun!” “Goodbye, Fugal, good luck in the guard!” Trixie waved, turning to go back and grab her things inside. When Trixie had all her stuff together it was already starting to get dark, a cold wind flowing through the streets warning of the imminent night. As it swept by the mare, a cold shiver went down her spine, a recollection of what happened in the auditorium playing in the back of her head. The energy that the crowd possessed was truly a miracle to behold, it was the first time she had been applauded by a large group of ponies and it felt wonderful. Another gust of wind swept through leaving a lasting chill, calling Trixie to head back to her apartment. Trixie swept the feelings aside intending to revisit the topic later. Her mind began to process all the parents she had just met, and their names and faces sorting them like a bookkeeper her wares. She noted how they all had a profound expression of pride for their children's accomplishments. It was something that Trixie had always removed herself from, but now without school, without anything... her mind was empty. Trixie’s mind wandered to that taboo. Her brain subconsciously swept the questions aside deferring to other pressing matters. The usual list compiled in her head. ‘What is planned for the rest of the day?’ and the all too familiar ‘What homework needs to be done?’ and don’t forget the ‘What is planned for tomorrow?’ They probed her mind, answered one after another, until only one remained. A solemn question that Trixie dared not ask. But it persisted. “Are your parents proud of you?” the question echoed through her mind. Trixie couldn't answer, nor did she want to. Then another question rebutted her silence. Do they even care? . . . . . . Trixie didn't move, her brain had asked something that she had repressed for so long that it burned her soul to even think of it. Memories flooded Trixie’s mind, the love of her mother’s caring hooves, the loyalty of her father. Trixie began to whimper as the torrent of conflicting emotions flooded her senses. Love, Kindness, Pride, Loss, Loneliness, and shame whirled about. A maelstrom of memories, faces, and dark places whipping violently through her consciousness. Seven years ago, Trixie came back from school to her family’s apartment. She found it empty, with most of the furniture missing and all of the appliances gone. She didn't understand what was going on and so decided it better to go and wait for her mommy and daddy to return and explain it. So she went to her room which was completely normal aside from a note on her desk, which she failed to notice. She spent the next few hours practicing some magic that her current instructor said was crucial to her development as a unicorn. Trixie wasn't so sure about that though, it seemed kind of back-hooved. The homework was to perform a form of telekinesis that grabbed and sealed the air around an object. The seal was to prevent the object or objects from falling out, though Trixie already knew how to directly root her magic into objects so that they would move as instructed. It seemed like a step backward, but it was still challenging so she wanted to master it. After another half an hour, the sun dove under the horizon and the dim moon rose to take its place. Trixie was hungry and now waited patiently on the couch for her parents to return. 9, 10, 11... the clock rolled along unaware of the message it conveyed. Trixie fell asleep. The next day she awoke to an eerie silence. She got up and headed to her room. The window shades were open and a beam of light shone upon her desk, and more specifically a piece of paper. Trixie grabbed and read the note. She ran to the next-door neighbors interrogating them about the note unable to believe its contents. Trixie didn't go to school that day. She stayed home waiting; waiting for her parents who were gone. Trixie stumbled through the streets wandering from street corner to street corner tears flowing and whaling as she couldn't answer the painful question. The lights grew blurry as she continued to stumble, sobbing profusely. There was nothing else, except to try and answer the question without an answer. A few passing pedestrians looked at her in surprise, not sure what to do in her state of hysteria. Trixie's eyes met the sun, searching for solitude in the fiery mass as it softly landed on the horizon leaving the city in darkness. The breeze, which merely chilled her moments before, now felt colder than ice. Trixie couldn't get herself together. It was an impassable question, a question she couldn't answer no matter how hard she tried. In exhaustion she collapsed, tears cascading from her eyes accompanied by a chorus of sobs and the occasional sniff. Her heart, earlier filled with the energy and passion from her admirers now left only a near-empty well, filled with sorrow. Trixie remained there, for a long time. Her hooves, wiping across her puffy eyes, did little to stop the torrent of tears. She mourned, alone and near the wayside gutter she curled up hoping for an escape. The drops forming a small puddle below the mare’s crumpled form.  Pop! Her ear perked up, snapping toward the sound. Pop! Again, this time turning her face to the noise. Pop! The noise echoed through the streets again. Trixie, overwhelmed by curiosity and in need of a break from her question, forced herself to stand. She felt weak, like she hadn't eaten in days. She stumbled, tripping as her hooves quivered from her trauma. Pop! Blue and red rays of light shafted across the grim street through an alley as Trixie approached the commotion. Trixie enthusiastically raced down the narrow alley the noise growing louder with each step. Jumping over a trash bin and cardboard box, Trixie exited the alley into the city square filled with ponies. Near the center, a tall black stallion stood atop a mighty stage overlooking a massive audience. “Behold!” A deep voice rang out over the audience. “From the great arcaneries in Canterlot! Taught only to those Celestia deems worthy!” The black stallion rose up on his hind leg coming into full view of Trixie as his horn began to shimmer. His glowing horn then brightened many times into a mystic blinding black aura. The surreal light enshrouding the audience, shattering reality with its brilliance. The light faded, revealing a cacophony of brilliant creatures, which burst forth into and over the crowd. Finches, eagles, and phoenixes flew over the audience with a radiance befitting a god. They glowed phosphorescent in the sky, leaving beautiful trails of particles behind. The plaza was brought to an uproar, furiously applauding and squealing in delight as the creatures flew through the sky. Trixie was lost, she was no longer in Equestria, but a magical land of beautiful mythical creatures lighting the night sky. Her eyes were ablaze with joy and wonder at the sight. It was the most wonderful thing she had ever seen. A small creature, a cute green rabbit, tucked its way toward Trixie. It hopped energetically in between the hooves of the crowd stopping to look at Trixie’s distraught mane and crass face. At first, the creature gave a look of confusion. The mare's face was stained with streaks from her eyes to halfway down her coat. The bunny immediately jumped upon her head and started to tickle Trixie, who burst into laughter. The green creature bounced about the mare like a hummingbird a flower. Parts of the crowd laughed alongside Trixie as the bunny playfully tormented her. “Stop it, I can't take it anymore.” Trixie let out between laughs. The bunny obliged her request and then rested atop her head for future scheming.  Trixie attempted to dismount the varmint, swinging her head side to side. Though this accomplished nothing as the bunny was near weightless and was hanging onto her horn. Trixie chuckled “Fine... if you really want to stay with my horn. I won't stop you. Just don't blame me if others start to think of you as a hat.” The bunny's ear perked up in shock.  The bunny then leaped from her head and headed back toward the stage. Trixie giggled, relieved to have avoided her torturer's grasp. Trixie smiled and waved to the creature as it made its way back to the stage. The stage lit up again, cascading the air with sparks and magical flares, which set the sky aglow. The black unicorn again stood atop the stage, except this time he was accompanied by hundreds of glowing creatures of all different color and shade. Trixie was filled with a feeling of euphoria as she saw the bunny standing beside the black stallion waving to the crowd with its little paws. “Thank you!” the stallion waved to the crowd. “We at JackRabbit have a show every week and everypony is welcome.” The stallion, and the entire cast of creatures then stood and took their bow. The crowd went wild with applause as the show came to a close. “Thank you and Good night.” Then with a loud poof The stage was filled with smoke and the stallion and creatures onstage vanished. The street was loud with the noise of applause for a good minute as the smoke cleared. After a short while, another stallion walked on stage to make an announcement. “Thanks, everypony, for coming out tonight. We are going to have a cast-and-fan meeting in a quarter of an hour in front of Frontage Fashion.” He pointed a hoof toward a shop with a few ponies setting up a tent and some tables. “I hope to see you all there, and thanks for coming to the show. It was great having such an energetic crowd. Also if you want to see more amazing feats come on down to Jack Rabbit's for the show of your life. Only at Jack Rabbit’s will we reveal our best and most daring performances.” The stallion then mumbled on for a few more minutes about showtimes, vaguely hinting that there would be new tricks in the upcoming shows and side-performances by aspiring magicians. Followed up by a few more remarks about how great the night was, he finished by inviting everypony to come to get autographs and talk to the performers. Trixie raced to be first in line to meet the performers. Even with her frantic run to the line, several dozen ponies already waited ahead of her. Trixie hated waiting, but for this opportunity, it was more than worth it. Trixie looked over the cast, a crew of a dozen creatures, ranging from ponies to griffons, signed autographs and taking pictures with fans. Trixie neared the end of the line, looking over to the announcer, who was talking with a few of the residents about local performances. “Next,” a crew member said. Trixie walked up to the black magician nervously “Thank you.” “What’s your name dear?” he replied. “Trixie” “That's a nice name, do you want me to sign something, Trixie?” Trixie fumbled around a bit as she remembered that the entire reason why everypony was there was to get a signature. She blushed “ohhh, umm... I don't have anything to... Wait!” She then poked through her small saddle bag looking for a sheet of paper. She found her graduation certificate and handed it to the stallion. “Well, look what we have here! Congratulations young lady it looks like you just got out of school, and not just for the simple honors of passing your classes either.” The magician was a little shocked to see the list of awards on the paper. “Are you sure you want me to sign this?” The magician’s surprised voice questioned. “Yes please, it would mean the world to me to have you sign it!” “Ok, but don't go and blame me if you don't like my signature, it's not that impressive.” A pony behind him let out a small cackle at the remark. “Its fine, go ahead,” she said hastily, noticing the numerous hostile eyes peering at her for taking up so much time.  “Ok. Here goes.” the stallion said with a grin. He magically lifted the quill from the pot of ink and started. Trixie's mind was blown! The quill spun across the page like a rocket, zig and zagging across the page like a wild hedgehog popping up from hole to hole. It took him a grand total of 5 seconds to finish his name. Then the quill finally stopped, it let off a whiff of smoke. It was an elaborate signature, one like Trixie has never seen before. It seemed to glow slightly like it had been infused in some magical spell. Trixie had seen him sign his name earlier from an elbow in the line but up close it was a completely different experience. “Thank you, mister... Uhhh” reading the complex signature aloud “Black Flair”. “That's my name sister, hope you like it.” The mare’s vision faded as a bright smile crossed the stallion's face. > Chapter 4: Death of a Magician > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trixie lay in bed for a while, the dream slowly fading from memory. She rose, breaking her sleepy demeanor. A tear greeted her as she did, slowly it rolled down her cheek. She let out a long sigh. More blank tears... she pushed aside the covers approaching the window to look out into the starry night above. The moon, bright and pristine, was full. The glowing orb, static in the sky, had possessed a special sparkle since the return of Princess Luna. It shone brighter now, it’s face no longer plastered with a mare’s. It felt unfamiliar to Trixie to see such a pure moon. The lonesome body above reminded her of the long nights spent alone, working on her magic; of the endless hours, spent streaming through pages and pages of material at Celestia's school for gifted unicorns. Her time there felt like it was spent in Tartarus. She had gained most of her skills there, but she never even graduated. It was the single largest disappointment in her entire life. Although, if she hadn’t gone through it all, she wouldn’t have made it to Jack Rabbit’s. She reasoned it was worth it in the end. "I wish I could still be working there,” she mumbled blinking away tears under the night sky. Her time there had been like a dream. A short, magical period of bliss, before the realities of life came back into focus. She had seen the great Black Flair at his prime and then his fall from glory; once the envy of all, brought low and made a disgrace. Trixie stared intently at the moon watching it shimmer in the sky. She wished that she could shine like that, shameless and beautiful for all the world to see. She wondered what it must be like to be the moon. To have the entire world look upon you and stare in wonder. This was her goal, to become a beacon, a legendary magician. To have the whole world be inspired by her greatness. It’s my destiny... But then again, it was also Fugal’s original destiny to join the Royal Guard, and that never happened. What a cruel world we live in. To dream and fail so often, Trixie's rare nihilistic thoughts helped her calm down and make sense of the world. Her life, if anything, had told her there was no such thing as destiny. Only your will, to be who you want to be, shapes the world. Trixie sighed, turning away from the window toward her makeshift dresser opening one of its drawers. *                * *           * * *        * * * *         * * * * *           * * * * * **                * * * * * * *         * * * * *       *         * *         * * *   *‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The Kind of Pony ‎ ‎ ‎ *      *         * *         * * *       *         * *         * * *  *‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ by: Photo Finish‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ *      *         * *         * * *  *                * *           * * *         * * * *         * * * * *           * * * * * **                * * * * * * *         * * * * * The Kind of Pony lay at the top of her pile of mementos. Trixie pulled it out, setting the book aside as she looked over her graduation slip. She opened it, looking at the splendor of the document. Trixie hadn't many things to be proud of, but this was an exception. It was something earned, the high-honors of her class. Trixie looked over the pristine diploma, she was filled with pride as she read through the faculty names. ‘Black Flair’, the flashy signature at the bottom brought mixed feelings of regret and sadness. The signature, which was next to the principal's still somehow still let off a dim glow. Trixie had often wondered how Black Flair did it, she could never figure it out. She thought it could have been the ink, but that didn't seem likely since it would have to be enchanted ink which was extraordinarily expensive. In fact, anything enchanted was extremely expensive. In the past, Trixie had often joked about how she should go into the enchanting business so that she wouldn't have to spend so much money on supplies. After doing a little research she decided that it would be better to just buy them. Learning to enchant items was just as hard as learning magic twice, as the rules to embed objects with magic were complex and completely opposite to the study of casting spells with one's horn. Even a basic understanding would require years more of specialized and expensive training. The mare looked at the paper again, reminding her that she lacked any college education. Maybe I should go back to school. She chuckled to herself for a short while, dismissing the thought and placing the article in her coat pocket. She was probably just tired from her long day and abysmal night. There wasn't time for her to doubt her life's path now. She needed to focus on her end goal. Canterlot! Crash...  Trixie stumbled at the sound in the distance, falling onto the floor. She got to her hooves dazed. Ok, now I know for certain, I am just tired and need to go back to sleep. She lay back down in the cramped bed curling up into a tight ball. Knock! Knock! Trixie, groaned, “Uhhh, an annoying dream and now what?” she mumbled to herself. “Trixie!” two squeaky and familiar voices sounded from behind her door. Trixie, annoyed and a little groggy got up and dressed. If she was to be seen it would be in her proper show attire. Trixie swung open the door open revealing Snips and Snail's terrified eyes. Annoyed she shouted, “Trixie thought she said the Great and Powerful Trixie did not want to be disturbed!” “We-- We have a-a tiny problem.” Snips said hesitantly. “Actually, it's a big one,” Snails corrected him. “What is so important that you cannot wait until morning to disturb Trixie?” ROOOOOAR! The cry echoed through town as an Ursa major broke the tree line. Ohhh. . . Trixie bit her lip, checking for another dream. Trixie winced in pain, as the dream refused to disappear. N-no-nooo... This can't be right... This must be a dream. She stared at the colossal beast blankly for a moment, stunned at its size and ferocity. Trixie's gaze was disturbed by a piercing scream echoing through the night. Trixie's mind flailed in confusion as the world started to move involuntarily as the Ursa slightly faded into the distance. Trixie then realized that she was running for her life bellowing out a deathly scream of terror.  Awareness finally returned to Trixie as she slowed to a trot, composing herself enough to start thinking again. Ponies streamed out of their houses' growing to a large crowd. Her gaze was met by two fillies in pursuit. Behind them, she saw the massive Ursa a few hundred feet behind them smashing Trixie’s cart to bits. “NO!” Trixie screeched her Prestige now a pile of rubble in moments. Trixie fell to the ground in shock, mumbling "No... I... my cart, my prestige." The crowd continued to grow as ponies flooded into the town square. Trixie went on autopilot in the face of the crowd putting on a mask of peace and composure. Her dignity prevented her from breaking down in tears. She stood, a detached stare watching the beast as it approached. “Great and Powerful Trixie, you've got to vanquish the Ursa!” Snips demanded.  “Yeah, vanquish so we can watch,” Snails added.  “Wait, you brought this here?” Trixie asked shock and rage etched across her face. Snails casually nodded in the affirmative. “Are you out of your little pony minds?” she yelled furious at the two fillies. Snips and Snails stepped a pace back in fright at her outburst. The growing crowd also taking an interest in the conversation.  “But,” the foul blue unicorn spouted, “You’re the Great and Powerful Trixie.” “Yeah, remember?” Snail added, “You defeated an Ursa Major!” Trixie was about to say something about how useless banishing an Ursa major was in comparison to the how nice banishment for foals would be, but was cut off by a chaotic roar from a few feet away. The beast snuck up on Trixie, she was now cornered. Trixie hastily put together a plan. If she could distract the Ursa she might escape or even maybe subdue the creature somehow. Levitating her rope from her supplies she wrung the rope around the air distracting the Ursa temporally. The Ursa seemed to be slightly amused by the rope. Distracted by her for a moment, she tied the rope about its fingers. No dice, the Ursa stared at the Trixie unamused by the little trick and snapped it almost immediately, all the while his eyes locked on Trixie. The two foals in the rear complained anxiously awaiting for something unheard of. I need something flashier. Something that will get his attention away from me.   A spell preceded to form in her mind and she began to cast. Trixie had many spells that were visually appealing and jaw-dropping in their beauty. However, almost none of her show spells would work to distract an Ursa Major since illusions targeted the minds of ponies specifically. Trixie fell back to the basics forming a cloud of magic in the sky behind the Ursa drawing electricity to coalesce into a dark cloud. My cloud grew and began to grumble in anticipation of its discharge. Trixie, although proud of her ability to force a cloud into existence, was ashamed of its size. The clouds are supposed to dwarf creatures, not the other way around. KSHhh! The Ursa roared in annoyance. Trixie didn't miss the opportunity to scurry away in the moment of confusion, leaving the Ursa alone near the edge of Ponyville. The beast erupted, ripping roofs off and gorging the ground with its claws as they ripped the city square asunder. The beast seemed to believe that the city's buildings were responsible for his misfortune with the lightning, and as such the beast ravaged the town. Trixie now near the center of Ponyville ran into the purple unicorn from earlier. “What's going on?” she demanded a stern look on her face. Trixie stared at her, confused. Was this still the shy little squeak of a mare from the show yesterday? “We brought an Ursa to town.” Snips replied. The purple unicorn's eyes shot open as the beast came into view. Her reaction was much the same as Trixie's minus the screaming and running. “You what?!” she shouted in disbelief. “Don't worry, The Great and Powerful Trixie will vanquish it.” Snails said, a sparkle of anticipation festering in his eye. All three pairs of pony eyes landing upon Trixie expectantly. Trixie's mind raced for some scapegoat but was drawing a blank. What could she do? Nopony except the Princesses, Wonderbolts, or maybe a squadron of the guards were capable of dealing with a beast of this size. A memory flashed through Trixie’s eyes. “Now remember,” Black Flair spoke to her with a stern deep voice, “you have seen firsthand that being a magician is dangerous. It is all fun and games until somepony gets hurt. Trixie, if you're going to be a magician I want you to promise me. Promise me that you will never endanger somepony’s life for the show.” The Great and Powerful Trixie responded. “I promise.” ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie.’ It was who Trixie was: a performer, an actor, and mastermind of her campaign to captivate the world. But above all that, The Great and Powerful Trixie was a magician. The first rule any magician must follow is to never tell anypony their secrets. Big or small it didn’t matter, their life was based around secrecy, to have the audience fooled at all times, to reveal only that which would make herself look great. How could she keep her promises and her secrets? Trixie, the magician needed to keep the mystique of her persona. But also, Trixie, the magician needed to keep everypony safe. The two competing needs forced Trixie to choose. Trixie fidgeted as the words escaped her mouth. “I can't...” “What?” The two fillies shouted at her in disbelief. “I can't, I never have.” Trixie said “No one can vanquish an Ursa Major. I just made the whole story up to make me look better.” The two foals recoiled in astonishment. Trixie mentally face-hoofed at their reaction.  What? You never expected to be tricked by a magician?  Another roar echoed through the town center as the Ursa ripped the roof off of one of the buildings after trying to decapitate it with limited success. It dove forward at the crowd of ponies now gathered, snarling viciously at the crowd. The purple unicorn stood tall approaching the Ursa. Her mane blurred in the slight breeze as her horn began to glow. Then like an explosion the city was filled with magic. Trixie could feel the power radiating from the unicorn, like a magic beacon blasting outward in all directions. Trixie could do nothing but stare in amazement as the unicorn glowed in raw magic power. Moments later the city was filled with the sound of a flute. The music was enchanting. The entire city was lulled into silence. Trixie's mind was almost lost amidst the melody, but her keen spirit repelled the strong magic leaving the unicorn barely conscious. Trixie’s eyes were glued on Twilight as her horn doubled in brightness. Looks like it takes a lot keep that sp...  Trixie's thought was cut short as the sleepy Ursa started to tumble in her direction. Trixie winced in terror as it’s massive body plummeted toward her. Trixie’s life flashed before her eyes. Her filly hood spent in Manehattan, the long evenings after work where she practiced magic religiously, and her tour through Equestria yielding the greatest adventures she had ever known. It was all there and gone in a flash. This is it. The Great and Powerful Trixie squashed by a sleepy Ursa major. How pathetic... Trixie stood there a moment more, eyes waiting for the wave of pain to come, then fade in an instant.  Death didn’t come. . . Trixie irritated by the delay of her death peeked an eye open. Trixie’s jaw lay open for the next few moments as she witnessed the element of magic do her work. Twilight Sparkle, had telekinetically lifted the several thousand pound Ursa Major several hundred feet into the air. The Ursa Major now looked calm and even had a massive milk bottle in its grasp to suck on as it wisped through the air back to the Everfree Forest. Trixie stared at Twilight, her eyes revealing her pure disbelief of what she had just witnessed. Her brain argued against her senses as she continued to stare in awe.  Trixie’s world shattered, her mind began to battle for supremacy against what she has witnessed. Her eyes desperately attempted to satisfy her rational mind. They darted through the plaza looking for a rune or maybe some type of enchanted item to explain the events. They revealed only four hoof prints buried several inches into the ground where Twilight stood while she cast her spell. “Wow, Twilight,” a baby dragon said, breaking Trixie’s concentration, “how'd you know what to do with that Ursa Major?” “That's what I was doing when you came looking for me. I was so intrigued by Trixie's bragging that I was compelled to do a little reading on them.” Trixie let out a low sigh at the remark, glad to get an explanation. Wait that still doesn’t explain the city-wide sedative spell or the massive milk bottle which somehow appeared out of nowhere. Trixie, waited for the remainder of the explanation. “So it is possible to vanquish an Ursa Major all by yourself?” The baby dragon stated bluntly. “That wasn’t an Ursa Major, it was a baby, an Ursa Minor” Twilight stated matter-of-factly. “That was just a baby?” Trixie blurted out in disbelief. The unicorn nodded in the affirmative, then continued her report. “And it wasn’t rampaging,” She shifted her gaze to the two fillies. “It was just cranky because somepony woke it up,” she said, chiding the two fillies. “Well, if that was an Ursa Minor, then what’s an Ursa Major like?” The baby dragon asked curiously. The unicorn’s eyes then briefly drifted upward as if searching her archive of memories for an answer. “You don’t wanna know.” A small smile appeared on her face. Trixie sat there still trying to pull herself together from the events which still seemed to defy reason. Her mind raced for answers, but only found more questions. She when she came to, she was surrounded. The crowd eyed her expectantly, what had they expected? Trixie thought for a moment and then froze, realizing her mistake.  They want me to admit she is better, don’t they. The Great and Powerful Trixie has just died... They wanted me to acknowledge it. NEVER! If she couldn’t be the Great and Powerful Trixie, life would not be worth living. Puffing out her chest out and putting her best possible stage voice that she could. She defended her name, her existence. “Huh!” Trixie, suppressing the urge to break down in tears. “You may have vanquished an Ursa Minor, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie”. She finished by summoning a smoke orb then smashing it onto the ground as she ran away as fast as possible tears filling her eyes. Her hooves felt heavy as she ran, the weight of great loss coupled by the exhaustion of the previous day making each step harder and harder as she escaped the town. Her eyes now trailed by two lines of tears down her light blue fur. She ran because she had nothing left, everything was gone. No family, no friends, no money. She ran because her cart, her home, was now nothing more than splinters. She ran because her image was now revealed to be a fraud in front of an entire town. Soon the entire country would know of the Ursa minor attack and how The Great and Powerful Trixie was nothing more than a fraud. She ran, her life and identity lost. She ran into the darkness not caring if it consumed her. > Chapter 5: Shadow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun lay low over the horizon, its golden rays waving across the sky in a glorious array of stark reds and soft ambers. At the top of Canterlot tower, the tips of the fiery ball could be seen flickering against the distant hills, its figure now dwarfed by the brilliant stars above. The figure of an alicorn sat, patiently waiting for all remnants of the solar mass to vanish, her light blue mane flickering strangely as it swayed in both the physical and ethereal wind of the cosmos.  Princess Luna rose, looking to the east for her glorious celestial body. Luna found it, her pristine home over the past thousand years, her prison. Luna concentrated grabbing hold of the colossal mass as its mass weighed heavily on the weak Princess. Taking flight with a few beats of her wings she rose several feet into the air, pulling the moon from the far east to its path across the night sky. The alicorn then unceremoniously dropped toward the ground breathing heavily as sweat dripped down her face. The magic in her mane dissipated, firmly rooted in the physical realm once again. “Luna, are you doing alright?” Her sister asked affectionately from inside the tower. “Just fine, my dear ‘Tia” she let out between breaths. “just, out of practice, that's all.” She bit her lip, regarding her own excuse as a weak explanation. It had been only a few weeks since Luna had returned to Equestria. Her memory and very being had been reshaped by the Elements of Harmony. Luna was glad for the transformation. She felt healthy much as she did in her youth. The Elements had left everything she cared about and removed all but the most important bad memories of her previous life.  Luna couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness for the loss of her former self. Her memory, now altered, revealed a spattering of her years with Celestia before Nightmare Moon, and even some of the memories of her time as Nightmare Moon. A shiver ran down the alicorn’s back as she recalled the atrocities she committed during those dark days. Luna only felt shame about her past life, though the particulars of her darker deeds were hidden even from herself. Luna entered the tower, receiving a worried look from her sister as her rigid body trotted into the room. Celestia sat gracefully enjoying her evening meal at the dining table. Plated in front of her was a large salad with some exquisite dressing from their neighboring countries. Luna eyed the dish enviously. “You know Luna if you want...” she said cautiously “I can set the moon in place until you get your strength back.” “Nay! I am the Princess of the Night, it is my duty to raise the moon,” she yelled loudly in the traditional Royal Canterlot voice which carried throughout the castle. Celestia wore a face, not unlike her usual, but with a slight frown upon it. “I also think you know that the Royal Canterlot voice hasn’t been used in centuries.” “Sorry” she yelled slightly quieter this time. “I am having trouble speaking normally,” she said quieter still. “It’s okay Luna. . .” Celestia paused for a moment as if choosing her words carefully. “I want us to rule together and for ponies to look up to you. This transition requires a certain amount of change from both of us.” Luna frowned at the remark, considering her words. Luna hated the idea of changing any more, but her sister was never wrong. She considered what Celestia wanted of her, but also what she wanted of herself. Luna could never really get past what it felt like to get blasted by the elements. She was wholly the same pony her memories told her, but also so very different from what her subconscious told her. On top of the mental and physical chaos, everything was different now. The customs, the culture, and even the way the general populous viewed her and Celestia. Luna’s new life was all so... new. She wasn’t sure she even liked it, much less did she desire to embrace this new life. At the same time, Luna was worried that she might change back into Nightmare Moon. The transformation wasn't completely impossible. After all, If you could become instantly good, why couldn't the opposite happen? What if she were to remember something important and turn evil again.  The elements of harmony were extraordinarily powerful, but above their legendary power, they were renowned for how little was known about them. The magical artifacts would give their wielder extraordinary powers, but no-pony knew exactly how. No one knew they could even have these effects on Luna, and how long would they last? Celestia herself had told her that she was happily surprised by the results and wouldn’t have had it any other way. As a precaution, Luna decided for the time being it would be best to delay her recovery. “Luna?” Her sister called again, successfully grabbing her attention after the third attempt. “I have heard from the royal chef that you haven't been eating much. I don’t want you to hurt yourself with your duties because you aren't eating properly.” Ohh Tia, why are you so attentive? Luna thought. She had at one point considered the possibility that Celestia had the power to read minds. Luna wondered how transparent she had been, but she reasoned that her sister already knew everything. “I know. . . It is just that. . . uhh. . . everything they were serving. . . had spinach in it. . .?” The words leaving the startled Princess’s mouth as an awkward smile crept across Luna's face.  Celestia returned her smile with an unamused glance as if to say, you and I both know that is a terrible lie. “Well” Celestia’s tone perked up, “If you don’t feel like eating, then I have a job for you.” Luna’s face which was previously facing the ground now looked up at her sister raising her eyebrows and a slightly pained look as her vacation was coming to an end . “A Job?” She yelled out in surprise, not even trying to speak quietly. “Yes” The Alicorn replied, a slight hint of irritation etched across her face. “I want to visit Ponyville in a few weeks on our next parliamentary break. I would like you to go visit Twilight Sparkle’s dreams tonight and let her know we’ll be coming. I am sure Twilight would be pleased to see you again.” Luna began to open her mouth in protest. “And unfortunately,” Celestia cut her off before she could begin “I am all out of paper and I don’t expect another shipment for months...” She stated matter-of-factly. Luna shut her mouth acknowledging her sister’s plight. ”Fine. I’ll do it,” Luna gruffly agreed. It would be both tiring and trivial, but it was something Luna could do well.  “Thanks, my scholars surely appreciate it.” Celestia smiled at Luna broadly. A few moments later Celestia let out a slow wink toward Luna. Her face grew bright red in embarrassment at the realization. Out of paper. . . Luna facehoofed at her own stupidity. Luna never did find much enjoyment in her sister’s unique sense of humor. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you do it tonight?” Celestia added. “Fine, I’ll do it tonight.” Luna replied in an annoyed tone. She sat outside on the tower balcony overlooking a small portion of Equestria from her perch. “Thank you sister, I’ll be heading to bed for the night. See you tomorrow.” She gave Luna a small hug, then went inside to sleep. It's been more than a thousand years since I last was in a pony’s dream, she thought to herself. Well, here is to hoping it is like flying and you never forget. Her horn glowed, shifting her consciousness out of her body into a cloud of ethereal smoke. She let out a small breath as her mind entered the cloud of magic. She was right, moving into the cloud felt very natural to her, almost more so than her alicorn body which felt rigid and heavy at times. Leaving the alicorn body resting on the balcony, the cloud drifted, directed by an invisible force as the massless vessel left Canterlot. Luna’s heart raced as the sensation of her spirit form overtook her mind. The ponies below her in Canterlot fading from her mind as she drifted across the sky. She wafted through the air, careful to mind her direction, she headed to Ponyville.  A few moments later she arrived to find the city in ruins. The houses were destroyed, and claw marks struck into the ground. Luna was shocked to find Twilight directing a few orders to the ponies throughout the streets. She had an assistant dragon carrying a long scroll which stretched several dozen feet behind them as they made notes for repairs. “Spike, don’t forget to write that we are going to need a construction crew from Cant. . .” The unicorn stopped herself short. “Ohhh no!” The unicorn’s eyes grew huge “Spike! What am I going to tell Celestia? She’ll be furious with me!” She said exasperated. The purple unicorn trotted about aimlessly mumbling to herself for the next few minutes developing an answer. “You could just tell her.” Spike interjected. Luna hovered above the pair, antagonized by the situation. Her people had been attacked. She was the Princess of the Night, She should have been the one to protect them. She began to curse at herself for not keeping a watchful eye over the town earlier. Now she could only observe from her cloud waiting patiently for an answer in their dreams. The two wandered about the town for another half an hour before heading back to the library for the night. Twilight with a tired and rather drained expression on her face plummeted to her bed at the top of the library tree. Exhausted, her troubled mind drifted into obscurity. Luna entered the unicorn’s mind, enshrouded by the vast knowledge of Twilight, a dream began to play out in her consciousness. Celestia sat tall in her royal throne which seemed irregularly large. Luna watched for a moment as Princess Celestia yelled at Twilight for her negligence in stopping the damage to Ponyville. The purple unicorn quivered on the stone floor, ashamed and broken before the almighty alicorn. Luna, unwilling to wait for the dream to unfold shattered the scene replacing the cold sanctuary with an open field and star-covered sky. The unicorn still quivered on the grassy plane, unable to open her eyes for fear of a non-existent Celestia.  “Twilight!” Luna’s voice boomed. The unicorn snapped to attention, unfamiliar with the voice. “Princess...  Luna...” The unicorn said in between sniffs caused by her crying earlier. Before anything more could be said, Twilight hugged Luna. Clinging to the alicorn, Luna hugged her back. Then a torrent of tears started to flow, soaking Luna’s coat. “Luna, Celestia hates me!” She said in a sobbing, delirious voice. “S-she says I can’t be her student anymore and thinks that I destroyed the town.” A torrent of tears flowing into Luna’s chest. Luna, shocked by the entire scene, redoubled her efforts to comfort the mare until she was ready to talk rationally. “I didn't though.” She sniffled loudly, trying to stop her crying. “She hates me,” she continued mumbling deliriously. Luna couldn’t take this any longer, Twilight’s weeping face scared her. What have my sister’s teachings done to this poor filly? “Twilight!” She yelled loudly. Twilight recoiled from the alicorn in shock. Then her face turned sad again, a tear began to form in her eyes. “Stop,” she bellowed, shocking the mare again as her powerful voice cut through her delirium.  “What happened?” she said flatly and with the least amount of emotion as possible. Although she felt a good deal of rage surging throughout her body back in Canterlot. “Well,” the mare said cautiously, “Trixie came to Ponyville and then an Ursa minor showed u-” “And where is this Trixie?” The alicorn demanded. “She left, she even left all her stuff in the town square.” “Twilight, I will tell Celestia what has happened. Sleep in peace knowing that I will not let my sister hurt you for your brave actions tonight.” Her voice rang throughout the plane, as she shifted out of the dream.  Luna watched the unicorn contort slightly as she left her mind and entered back into her ethereal cloud. She cast a simple spell on the unicorn which would prevent her from dreaming that night. Luna shuddered at why Twilight feared her sister like she did. Celestia was imposing, manipulative, and wore a mask at times. However, she’s good natured and there wouldn't be any reason to fear her. . . Her mind shifted back to the moment she was banished to the moon. Celestia's face was covered in tears as the elements of harmony shot toward her. Celestia’s face was sorrowful, hurt, and guilt-ridden, her expression was etched into Luna’s mind forever. That face sang a lullaby, and it was that single moment that kept her from hating Celestia for the next thousand years. Luna hadn't ever seen Celestia cry before, which she reasoned was also the reason why she could forgive her for everything leading up to Nightmare Moon’s creation. Her eyes drifted back to the unicorn. She concluded that she was just paranoid or crazy, either would explain her delirium. Either that or the dream had been corrupted by some other factor. Maybe food? Luna’s stomach grumbled. Luna hung in the air a moment longer, planning her next move. She set out for the town square, searching for Trixie’s stuff. What she found surprised her, in the distance she found a medium-sized cart smashed to bits. Wood shrapnel scattered across the yard in all directions. Nearing the wreckage, Luna smelled the magic which surrounded the highly sophisticated cart. The scent reminded her of a friend she loved long ago. After a short search through her belongings, Luna found an enchanted item that seemed out of place. The trinket was a very high-quality voice transmitter, similar to those the royal guard used to convey messages from city to city. Luna’s mind began to question this Trixie’s allegiances. Why did she have such a valuable device? Who was she communicating with? Questions bombarded the princess, increasing her suspicion. Luna took another smell of the magic concentrated about the cart. She elevated herself into the sky and hovered there a moment. The brief reprieve let her notice how strained her alicorn magic was from maintaining the spell. Luna hadn’t used much of the magic which composed her ethereal cloud, but after entering Twilight’s mind she was now far less comfortable than when she entered it hours earlier. She contemplated the idea of waiting until morning to search out the unicorn, but her negligence from not intervening during the Ursa minor’s attack still weighed heavily on her and did little to encourage a rest. Determined to talk with this Trixie, she concentrated on the tracking spell. The unicorn’s trail was weak, but she felt it, a slow somewhat erratic pulse of the magic was resonating slowly from inside the Everfree Forest. Luna swiftly shifted across the sky heading into the dense forest. The Everfree Forest was filled with a diverse set of creatures. The lively forest contained hundreds of prey-predator relationships, and no sentient life within its boundaries. The forest would be the ideal place to plan a coup d'état, if it weren't for its inhabitants. With this danger in mind, Luna had tracked Trixie hidden deep in the forest. Trixie resided inside a massive, hollowed-out, cedar tree that had fallen eons ago. The tree’s massive hollow shell, which was covered in mysterious purple moss, was a testament to the age and mystery of this forsaken forest. Luna’s cloud of consciousness approached the unicorn cautiously, not wanting to alert the restless mare inside. “No!” Trixie's voice called out, a hint of terror in her shaky voice. Luna, suspecting she has been seen, hid out of sight. She hovered for a few minutes waiting for Trixie to move, but nothing happened. “I am sorry.” the trembling unicorn’s voice echoed out in the still forest. “I won't do it again!” Trixie mumbled weakly. Luna came to the realization that Trixie was asleep, or rather she was somewhat awake in her sleep. Prompted by the nightmare which was being revealed to her, she quietly shifted to enter the massive hollow log. She found the mare covered in sweat, her mane a tangled mess. Her tail split in multiple directions frayed with sticks and leaves caught within. Luna couldn’t help but feel a morsel of pity for the unicorn. Trixie was after all one of her subjects, and depending on her story she might vouch for the vulnerable mare. Trixie's magical scent smelled foul to the princess as the mixture of negative emotions concentrated in the ancient tree's small cavity. Luna reached out with her magic to enter Trixie's mind. As Luna entered she felt an aura of dark magic surround her, a sense of evil lurking in the depth of Trixie's subconscious. ~~~ “I didn't mean for this to happen, it was a mistake I swear!” Trixie yelled defensively. She was surrounded by her peers, she hadn’t had this particular nightmare for months. They stared at the mare, a mix of hatred and shock etched across their faces. After a few minutes, one of the ponies in attendance came forward. He didn’t say anything, he didn’t need to. Trixie fell through the black trap door below her. She hit the ground to a sea of faces looking at her. "You weak, useless, forgetful mare!", yelled one of the black faces. "I have a family to feed! How am I supposed to help them now?" yelled another. Trixie responded, "I am sorry. I messed up. I won't do it again." "There won't be the next time, Trixie. You've doomed everypony!" Another voice yelled. Trixie finally snapped, "Just stop, go away!" tears streaking down her face as they continued to berate and accuse. "That’s all you’re good at: running!" "Be a good little mare and take responsibility for once!" "Celestia be damned, if you aren't the scum of the earth!" Trixie cried, rocking herself back in forth. The voices continued, unstoppable reflections of her past. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" a chilling voice echoed through space as the ponies faded into the background. "My my. Little pony, you seem to be in need of my assistance." Trixie looked up, noticing the specter. A black shade almost equine in shape. Its black fur writhing into itself. Trixie panicked. "Ohhh, noo... We can't have you losing your head like that. That won't do at all." The specter's horn started glowing taking Trixie's voice and will. Trixie slumped to the ground, the black specter now in full view. Its terrifying body should have scared her senseless. Trixie felt numb to the horror and any desire to act was swept away. "Now that I have your captive attention. It seems as though you aren't having the best of days, am I right?" Trixie couldn't nod but felt her head move up and down. "Quite a pickle you've found yourself in. And the nightmares to boot. Well, I'll tell you what, how about we make a deal?" the specter said, grinning from ear to ear. "If you can help me with a few errands around Equestria, I'll keep your nightmares at bay. I've got a thing for nightmares you see." The spectator grinned wildly like he had made some sort of exalted joke. "Hahahaha, as an added bonus I may even let you keep your soul." The spectator pulled out a small white orb out of his mane. "I really am feeling generous today, but my patience grows thin. What do you say? Live and have a good job, or die where you are now. It seems like a simple choice to me." The specter's horn began to glow again, expanding Trixie's soul gem to fill the space. Once Trixie's form entered the sphere it became animated. Trixie took a deep breath and screamed loudly. She tried to run but found that she was restrained. "There is no escape little pony, do we have a deal or shall I find another?" "What... Who are you?" Trixie demanded. "Who I am is of no concern to you. Answer the question. My patience is wearing thin." Trixie, noded, "I'll consider it. What do you want me to do?" "That's a good little pony. Now let's see...", the specter lit its horn again. Moving them to another place in her soul.  Trixie and the specter were now inside a golden, well lit room. On the walls lay two long scrolls in red ink. One showed the symbol of her Cutie Mark, while the other was strictly text. Trixie couldn't read the fine print of the scrolls from where she was restrained, but she could guess what they were. "Here we go. Hahaha, it appears that you've been busy my dear. Normally I would take the time to read all of this but it seems our time has been cut short." The specter's horn glowed again, summoning a new scroll onto the wall. This contract was much more complex and written in an unknown language. "Sign right here, darling, and we will be on our way!" Trixie was moved before the parchment, her eyes began to read. "Ok, I want to read it first." "There is no time. Sign in now, or I will end you."  Trixie continued reading, trying to buy herself time to decide. "NOW GIRL!" the specter roared. Trixie's heart jolted in terror. Panicking as she signed her name. Trixie Lulamoon As the pen dropped, Trixie felt herself break. A loud crunch as a piece of the specter tore into her. Unlike the loss of self from earlier, she was enveloped in pain as blackness filled her eyes. Then the world shattered. "Stop right there fiend!" Luna roared as the world became light. With the light, the specter and all his restraints vanished. “Trixie!” Luna's ferocious voice echoed out into the abyss. Trixie fell to the ground again, the Princess of the Night's power demanding submission. “What have you done?” She sternly interrogated the unicorn. “Hahahahaha. . . “ Trixie began to chuckle quietly. New thoughts, ideas, and plans forming in the newly created dark corner of her mind. “HaHahaHahaHa. . .” her laughing growing slightly louder and increasingly hysterical. “What's so funny!?” The alicorn yelled, her eyebrow furrowed. “HAHAHAHAHA. . .” Trixie started kicking wildly into the air, an aura of madness filling the endless void. The laughing stopped abruptly. She rolled over and stood tall facing the alicorn. An expression of determination and rage etched across the unicorn’s frazzled face. Trixie’s magical senses perked up, a new kind of magic, one she had never felt before poured into her horn. Its power emboldening her toward defiance. “Buck you!” Trixie barked merrily at the alicorn. Luna’s face contorted at the remark, rage viable escaping her nostrils. A small silence followed as they stared at each other. Trixie continued, “Buck Celestia and her school!” Princess Luna let out an animalistic snarl and prepared a spell to silence the traitor. “You dare disgrace my sister’s name?” Luna’s powerful alicorn voice boomed, “You shall pay dearly, traitor!” A fight befitting The Great and Powerful Trixie. Trixie grinned as she prepared a force field spell. Trixie yielded the first strike to Luna. She was confident in her newfound magic. The Alicorn’s magic coalesced into a tight mote of energy, the ball of magic bolted at the mare, battering against the newly formed shield, which easily absorbed it. Trixie orchestrated the dream, playing it out in her head like a performance. The world shifted as a new physical plane started to materialize from the black void. The alicorn’s face grew colder as she glared at the unicorn who forced the scenery to change. “Is that the best you can do?” Trixie taunted, as another bolt shot at the mare, only to be intercepted by a materializing wall. ~~~ Luna cursed, the situation going from bad to worse. The dream world of another took an incredible amount of energy to alter or banish, and Trixie was masterfully crafting a dreamscape for a one-sided battle. She was already quite weak and could feel her physical body wasn’t faring very well as she felt sweat dripping down her face. She would defeat Trixie, knocking her unconscious for a few days. Then go and claim Trixie’s unconscious body when she had gained her strength back. "While you're here why don't we show you around the place. Being the Princess of the Night, I know you care about your subjects very much. Hahaha..." Trixie's voice trailed off. The scene warped replacing the scene with Trixie’s memory. The sun shining down upon the light blue alicorn blinded her temporarily. Her eyes adjusted within seconds to reveal Canterlot. She was in the upper district outside of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The school was perched proudly with a view over all of Canterlot. It had been built into the side of the mountain stretching hundreds of feet up into the rocky incline. Its entrance seemed irregularly massive to Luna as she cautiously approached the building. A massive white stone statue of Princess Celestia greeted her as she entered. Luna entered the main foyer. The sound of her hooves, clicking on the hard stone floor, echoed throughout the empty building. Luna began to hear quiet voices chatter quietly in the hallways. She turned to look, but no one was there. “Did you hear?” a voice whispered playfully, “One of the students was picked by Celestia herself to be her protege.” the quiet female voice echoed out over the others. “Yeah, I heard that she performed an aging spell” a bright male voice added in. “Enough!” Luna roared angrily. “Trixie, stop this meaningless game and face me!” Luna yelled a hint of weakness as her voice gave a little. “Haha. . . Don’t worry my princess,” Trixie’s voice sarcastically echoed through the hallways. “We will fight, but first, I think you should get to know me; THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!” her voice rang out wildly through the stone halls, but was cut short as the world began to shift again. Luna winced as the stone began to warp, it shifted slightly, blurring as the cold stone materialized into painted drywall and soft carpet as the walls closed in. Luna, not wanting to miss the opportunity to take a shot at Trixie prepared her spell in advance. The walls closed into a bedroom, furniture materializing into existence as a small bed and desk filled the otherwise vacant room. The door opened a crack. KSHHhh! Luna released the energy bolt blasting the door asunder and searing its frame. A light blue filly entered out of the smoke pushing the now non-existent door all the way open. Luna's heart skipped a beat upon seeing the filly, dread filling her heart for reasons unknown to her. Luna shook her head, focusing back on the task at hand. The young unicorn walked over to Luna, her illusion warping as she did. Luna let out a quiet dry laugh,  “Ha. Nice one. . .” "Trixie, this doesn't have to end badly. If you give up now, we can figure out something." Luna tried a new approach since her intimidating voice and attacks weren't proving effective.  It will be painless, totally nothing like the door we just destroy. Luna mentally berating herself for her sorry attempt to parley. Luna relaxed a little, taking an interest in the younger Trixie who started to do a few spells in the room. The filly was attempting a rather difficult form of telekinesis and began to throw a series of books at Luna, several warping through her head and abdomen to smash the wall behind her putting holes in the drywall. Luna frowned at the obvious irregularity of the dream. “Is this necessary for me to understand, Trixie?” Luna roared at the soft walls as they trembled under her boisterous voice. “Oh come on, my little princess. . .” Trixie said in a tone used for addressing fouls. “Learn to have a little fun!” she ended in a stern voice. “This ‘fun’ you speak of has hardly begun!” Luna yelled. There was no answer. Luna fumed for the next few moments and considered the gamble of banishing the memory to try and attempt a shot at the rebellious unicorn. She was about to, but her train of thought was cut off by a sound from the outside hallway. Trixie sprang up and darted for the now partially re-materialized door, opening eagerly. She frowned looking down the empty hallway. Disappointed she shut the door, realizing that it was just one of the apartment’s many neighbors. The filly nervously vibrated her tongue as she lay on the floor waiting. The filly looked around her room eyeing the comfy bed. Her eye caught a glimpse of a piece of paper on her desk. The light was shining especially bright this morning and as such her desk next to the window was illuminated by several glowing rays which danced about the piece of paper on her desk. The filly approached the desk, grabbing the note with her magic, she lifted the note down. The voice of a mature Trixie read the note aloud. "Dear Trixie, Unfortunately, your mother and I must leave. We have left you everything we own, so you shouldn’t need to move out unless you want. If you need any assistance, speak with your appointed lawyer, Portrait Potters at the Elizabeth Social Court. I had hoped to talk to you about this change in-person, but unfortunately, my time has come and I must go. Good luck, and Goodbye. ~Your father" Luna noted how similar the note was to those used a thousand years ago for the Equestrian secret service. It was a quiet way to disguise ponies who were lost in service to the crown’s more discrete operations. At the end of the reading, the world started to shift again. This time the room darkened and the world expanded slightly. The walls changed from painted drywall to stained oak boards. The room smelled like rotting lettuce and the air was very stale. Luna also noted the moist dirt underhoof, as this was the most vivid memory yet. Luna’s ears perked up, the stillness was broken by boisterous cheering above. A few rogue rays of light shone down through what appeared to be small cracks in the stage above. Luna walked slowly across the dirt floor waiting for something to happen. The crowd’s cheers died down as Luna was left to the stillness of the dark trap room. Moments later, a trap door opened up letting a bright orange earth pony wearing a flashy red shirt fall from the stage. He vanished out of Luna’s vision as he fell from the stage. A small door in the back for the room opened, revealing Trixie. The energetic unicorn was holding a towel and dry shirt identical to those the orange pony was wearing. “Oracle, we need to hurry,” Trixie whispered, in an annoyed tone. Trixie waited for a moment, then entered the trap room, a worried look on her face. “Oracle?” Luna followed alongside the illusionary Trixie as she quietly trotted up to the drop zone below the trap door.  Trixie and Luna both froze, bone-cold ice running down Luna’s spine as Trixie let out a blood-curdling scream. Trixie had misplaced the drop zone. Oracle broke his neck during the fall. He lay there, dead, his eyes open, staring into the abyss of death as blood dripped down his lifeless face. Other ponies started streaming into the trap room all with similar reactions. But Trixie just stood there, staring into Oracle’s eyes, guilt and horror on her face. Her eyes glanced at the drop zone which was a few hoof length out of place. Tears filled her eyes as she wept. Luna stood there motionless, the sight of the dead pony playing out in her mind. The alicorn stood there for quite some time. Flashes of the atrocities she committed as Nightmare Moon dancing across her eyes. A tear dropped down from her eyes, both for her own shame and the tragic death of Oracle whose body lay only feet away. Luna’s physical body sent an urgent message of pain to the sorrowful alicorn indicating the urgency of her fatigue. Luna perked up at the sensation, her sorrowful demeanor leaving her slowly. Luna stood there examining her options. She could either wait until Trixie was done explaining her past, then face her without having to fight through her memories, or she could try and settle this on her own terms with a banishing spell. Luna decided against the gamble of waiting, her body was just so weak right now, and holding together the ethereal cloud was quite draining. She rationalized that she had just enough energy to banish the dream and get a few attacks off before it would no longer be safe to remain. She noted that at first, this was a solid world, but now it began to crumble. Now would be the perfect time to strike. Luna thought to herself, planning her next move cautiously. Taking notes from her older sister she tried to increase her odds. “How well did you know Oracle?” Luna asked in a low voice. The world trembled as Trixie’s mental body became visible through some of the ripples in the dream. Luna seizing the opportunity, banished the remainder of the dream alerting the unicorn to her intentions. Another dream started to enshroud the alicorn. Luna battered it aside uttering a quiet groan as her body strained to keep herself contained within the cloud. “Face me, Trixie!” She roared at the unicorn. “Or are you not The Great and Powerful Trixie? Are you not one who has seen death? Are you not one who has lived a desperate life striving for purpose? Are you not a proud graduate of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns?” “Buck Celestia,” the Trixie snarled, “I was The Great and Powerful Trixie, but today, we are Trixie Shadowbane!" > Chapter 6: Foothold > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna let out a deep breath preparing for battle as the world began to shift and twist again. Luna cursed under her breath as she eyed the transformation take over the familiar black abyss. The new material plane was different this time. Unlike the past locations, this one wasn’t like the long maze-like school, closterphobic apartment, or dark trap room. This location was open and clear. Trixie’s mental body stood unwavering in the distance as the environment took shape. Snow began to fell as the two glared at each other, steam visibly escaping both ponies nostrils. They were now atop the snow-covered Foal Mountain. A distant memory played out in the distance as a younger Trixie pulled her cart along the icy path. Two ponies shivered as the ice-cold wind swept across the two combatants forcing them into action. Luna was the first to make a move and cast a camouflage spell to turn her light blue coat and mane into a snowy white. Luna vanished from Trixie’s sight. Trixie grinned, “Two can play this game, Princess”. She cast a similar spell on herself, vanishing into the snowy hillside. The snowy field lay quiet, a younger Trixie continuing to trot along in the distance unaware of the tense battle underway. Luna stealthy moved across the field. Her breath was wearing thin and her vision began to blur slightly from magical exhaustion as her spells drained more of her cloud's power. We need Just one good hit, then we will return, and make plans to pick-up Trixie. Luna thought as she sniffed the windy air for Trixie's scent. Luna froze, the figure of Trixie stood not more than meters away blending with the surroundings. The unicorn’s face was directed away from Luna as Trixie peered aimlessly out over the icy field. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Luna stealthily called her magic forth concealing its presence as the light blue mist slowly gathered around her horn. The little magical essence remaining within Luna’s ethereal cloud slowly trickled in, taking a significant amount of time to gather the required magic for her spell. Suddenly, Trixie’s head jolted turning in the direction of Luna, searching for Luna’s magic. The Princess froze her spellcasting, concealing everything. She had one shot, and she wouldn’t waste it against a shield, it had to be a perfect shot. Trixie opened one eye, revealing an uncamouflaged dark magenta eye. She scanned her surroundings for movement. Trixie's eye leaking out some dark magic as she scanned the hillside. "It's soo bucking COLD!” the younger Trixie in the background yelled in frustration. Trixie turned away toward the memory. A nostalgic expression replacing Trixie's serious face. Trixie felt something, turning just in time to see an energy bolt flying directly at her. The Unicorn’s eyes went wide, diving to the side. She was too late, the bolt smashed into her back two legs ripping both of them off in its blast. The rest of Trixie’s body was carried into the air, throwing the mare several feet from where she stood. Trixie she wailed in pain, the white snow changing to a murky dark red as her blood poured out. Trixie lay there, screaming in pain. Her new friend preventing her from passing to unconsiousness. Luna dropped her camouflage spell panting for breath and shaky on her hooves. “Trixie, why do you persist? You must be in great pain." The Alicorn said panted as she slowly approached the unicorn. A trail of red snow leading the way to the screaming victim. Luna looking over Trixie’s mutilated mental form. A look of sadness crossed Luna’s face as she looked upon the blood-covered pony, wishing to end her pain she began to cast another spell. Luna's ethereal cloud was running dangerously low on magic so she tried to most effectively harness its remaining resources. The spell took nearly a minute to charge for its minimum to drain the minimum amount of magic required for the energy bolt, every second her mental consciousness blurring under the increasing pressure of the sinking vessel. Finished with her preparations, she stood aiming at the unicorn. Trixie’s magical senses felt Luna's magic slowly gather, like an execution sharpening their blade. Between Trxie's screams of pain, she gathered her magic. Trixie forced her eyes to open her pride deeming it important to look upon the face of her killer. She found Luna, her weathered figure stood no more than a meter away, a mystic light enshrouding the alicorn’s horn. Trixie’s instincts took over preparing a force shield for protection as she cowered piteously in the crimson snow. Luna winced as pain throbbed throughout her body, gasping as she released her spell. The energy bolt collided uselessly against Trixie’s newly formed force shield which absorbed the blow. Luna’s face paled noticeably, coughing up blood seconds later, she collapsed. Trixie lay on the warm wet snow staring at the alicorn, shocked. “Attack her, Now!” Shadowbane called from inside her. “What?” her normal-self replied. "Buu-, I can't move." "Useless pony! GET UP and finish her!" Shadowbane commanded. Trixie coughed, trying to lift her head to see where Princess Luna lay. The effort causing her to cry. "I can't move" Trixie's voice having wavered historically. "I can't move — I can't —" "You useless piece of garbage! Get up you slimy piece of meat! If you don't act now I will be forced to take over! hahaha, and you don't want me to take over, it will be extremely unpleasant." Shadowbane spoke into her mind. "I — can't!" Trixie yelled as tears fell from her eyes. Shadowbane spoke into her mind, "You disappoint me, Trixie. No matter how hard you try you're still a worthless host. I will find another. One more able than the likes of you! A truly 'great and powerful' creat — " Shadowbane began laughing maniacally. Trixie's eyes began to smoke with powerful dark magic. Shadowbane's magic overtook Trixie's body, like a puppet on strings, she sprang up to stand on her remaining hoves. Trixie screamed in pain as her entire body felt on fire, as her hind legs regenerated with specter flesh. Shadowbane's rich hollow voice laughed through Trixie's mouth, "Hahahaha. It's your lucky day Trixie. A far more qualified and experienced candidate is ready for an interview!" Luna's ears perked at the new voice. She moved to escape but held no energy to do more than pull herself a few inches away. Shadowbane telekinetically lifted the bloody slush up from snow around him. He froze the icy-fluid into a sharp-crimson icicle a pony's length long. Trixie's horn lit-up again, dark magic flaring outward in a hiss as the icicle began to glow an unholy red "You aren't going anywhere, princess!" He shot the lance at the alicorn. The lance whizzed through that air whistling as the lethal weapon dove into the alicorn’s center, digging its way through her limp body, extruding slightly out her rear. Luna let out a garbled scream, the lethal wound pushing her to unconsiousness. “Hahahaha” Shadowbane laughed uproariously, "You are mine now, Princess!" Trixie's body walked up to Luna's taking a seat next to her pale form. "What are you going to do?" Trixie asked weakly. "I will make her an offer she can't refuse. Hahaha. Now sit here and wait," Shadowbane's presence all but left Trixie as black smoke entered Luna's blood-soaked form. Trixie waited, feeling the skin-crawling dark magic ooze through her body. She could sense that Shadowbane was busy, the occasional tug on her magic channeling more dark power into Princess Luna's mind. Minutes passed as Trixie shivered violently on the cold mountain. Suddenly the sun ripped through the dream's snowstorm, melting the snowy crest hillside. The sun's brightness washed out mountain shades of gray with reds and yellow as the air warmed. “Luna!” a voice called! Trixie, cowered looking away from the light. She fell onto the ground in pain, her newly materialized legs evaporated in the ethereal light. The material plane once again changed, as fires lit-up the hillside. "Trixie, we need to go NOW. Hug Luna!" Shadowbane called. "I can't my legs are gone again," Trixie said. "Useless!" Shadowborn roared. Trixie felt more of her magic become corrupted as her legs reformed once again. "Hurry girl, that won't last long." As Trixie hugged Luna, Shadowbane re-entered her body in earnest, sending a wave of nausea through her. "Hahaha," Shadowbane laughed, "Now girl, it's time to get out of here. So would you please Impale your head on Luna's horn, that should do the trick!" Trixie paled, "W-What?!?" Shadowbane cleared his throat, "Ahem. Dear, I am not sure you noticed, but this dreamscape acquired a few un-natural qualities. First, Princess Luna is here tonight. Second, you have a surprisingly gruesome imagination. And Third, Princess Celesia is somehow here as well, though I can't imagine how she managed it. You need to wake us up and run, NOW!" ~~~ Celestia was asleep in bed when she heard her sister scream. She teleported to Luna's tower. Celestia arrived to see her sister's limp body and a small pool of blood dripping from her nose. Luna's body was covered in sweat and her breathing was labored. Celestia paled in shock, “Luna!" ran over to her body."Come on Luna, I can’t do this alone, not again!” Celestia yelled desperately, tears forming in her eyes. As Celestia pulled close, Luna stopped breathing. “No! I won’t lose you again!” Celestia's determination redoubled as her horn glowed with dark magic. Celestia cast a forbidden necromancer's spell to keep Luna's soulless body healthy. A wave of revulsion swept from horn to tail as the spell complete. Dark magic always costs something. The elder alicorn stood facing out over her kingdom, her brilliant white magic exploding outward enshrouding the tower as she searched for her sister's soul. Failing to find Luna in Ponyville's library, Celestia doubled the power of the spell lighting up all of Canterlot with its glow. She searched everywhere expanding her reach over all of Ponyville and into the Everfree Forest. Celestia stopped her search as she found her sister. Luna's magic was weak, weaker than a sleeping earth pony she reasoned. Celestia guessed she was in a sort of hibernation state, suspending her consciousness in space. Normally, Luna would return to her body in such a state. Something must be keeping her in the Everfree forest. Celestia called back her magic considering her options. She could fly, but that would be far too slow. Luna had already stopped breathing and every second was critical to her recovery. She could try and send Luna magic and guide her home, but the intensity of her magic would instantly kill anypony. Celestia bit her lip as her decision was made, for better or worse, Luna was worth the risk of killing a pony or two. Besides she was probably being kept by something living in the forest, a non-pony creature. Celestia quickly transmuted the air into glass, forming an enchanted lens. Focusing the lens toward Luna's location, Celestia rose, flying up to the correct focal length. She flared her magic infusing the spell with part of her consciousness to key it to guide Luna back. The bright light which followed blocked out the tower, as a beam of pristine light, shot out over Equestria into the Everfree Forest on the horizon. Celestia hovered there several minutes straining her body to maintain the immense magical output required to reach the Everfree Forest. Tears formed on her eye as she considers the possibility that she wasn’t doing anything, and that Luna had already moved on. No, please no, I want her back, Celestia cried, Makers, give her back to me, I beg you! Celestia increased her efforts maximizing the spell's power. A minute later a small mote of ethereal cloud shot through the air, finding its body, the dark wisp dove into Luna’s pale complexion. Celestia fell from the sky falling down to the balcony where luna lay. Exhausted she began to cast a reviving spell, which would occasionally shock Luna to restart her heart. The painstaking spell required intense magical power and concentration so as to not hurt the patient. A moment later Luna awake gasping for air as she coughed. “Tia?” Luna said, her voice weak. “Luna, I am here.” Celestia hugged her, as she cried. “Don’t ever do that again!” she spoke sternly but hugged her partially conscious sister tightly. "Ohh sister, I am soo stupid! Why did I ever ask you to do that? You've only just returned." "It's ok, it's part of my duties", Luna mumbled weakly. "It is certainly not ok. I hereby prohibit you from ever visiting a pony’s dream when not at full strength, ok?” “Ok. Thanks for saving me Tia — again,” Luna said, resting on her sister's withers. Celestia paused, brushing Luna's mane to comfort her, "I love you, Luna, never forget that." Celestia hugged Luna tightly, "Next time just please don't do something so risky, even if I ask. I can't bear losing you again. I already know I am going to have a few bad dreams from tonight. You really scared me, Luna." "I am sorry," Luna said. "I should have been more careful. I was reckless and angry that Ponyville was attacked. I needed to act." "I used to be able to simply know where I was needed. Before — " Luna's voice hitching, " Before, Nightmare Moon I was needed. Now Night court is empty, nopony comes anymore, Tia. And — I can't even protect our ponies anymore." Luna began to sob, ashamed of herself. Celestia hugged Luna, "Shhhh, Luna. You know that is not true. You are worth so much to me, Sister. I am sure more ponies will show up to Night court once they get used to you. As for Ponyville, Don't worry, Sister. I am sure Twilight already has the situation under control." Luna and Celestia sat there in the comfort of a long hug. The tension and pain Luna held leaking away as her countenance returned. Luna perked up brushing away her tears, "Say, Tia, while I was in Ponyville I did get to visit Twilight Sparkle's dream. She was having a mild nightmare about you of all things. I thought our ponies no longer thought of us as demigods." Celestia blushed embarrassed, "I have been trying so hard to work that out of her, but I fear she won't ever stop seeing me as god-like figure." Luna giggled, "You've changed sister. I think we like it." Luna smiled, then her stomach grumbled. "Can we wake up the cook, we could really go for a large salad right about now, I am famished.” Celestia giggled at her sister, “That sounds like a wonderful idea, it's been quite some time since I last used that much magic.” Celestia said, leaving for the cook’s quarters down the hall. Luna waited for Celestia to return. The heavy exhaustion she felt finally taking hold as the life-threatening scenario passed. She thought back, confused? How could I lose to a single unicorn, much less a young street magician? Something or someone must have been helping her. an unbidden thought popped into her head. Luna's mind started running itself, as recent events played out in her mind. A petition in court about the Everfree Forests's changing magical properties. Possibly related to Luna's return. Her dreamscape scrying spell proved ineffective. The spell may simply no longer work for unknown reasons. The reports of dragons flying around their country. An ill omen for the peace of her ponies. Tonight an Ursa minor attacking Ponyville. The beasts slept for centuries, why attack now? The whole ordeal with Trixie and her concerning memories. Something is coming — Luna's mind prodded. and I am too weak to help Celestia deal with it. Luna stole herself, a new determination visible in her eyes, " I cannot delay my recovery any longer. For better or worse, Equestria needs me." Luna horn glowed, using the excess mana in the palace to dispel a half dozen spells that were delaying her recovery. She then applied a few magical boosters for good measure. Luna's ears perked up at the sound of far-off laughter. Celestia returned, interrupting her train of thought as she held up two large salads procured from the kitchens. “I brought croutons,” Celestia smiled at her sister. After a few minutes of both Celestia and Luna shoveling down their salads, Celestia interrupted the silence. “So what happened?” Celestia asked kindly, “I sent you to Ponyville, how did you end up in the Everfree Forest?” Luna closed her eyes picking out the important details from the night, “Everything is a little fuzzy, but this is what I remember. Ponyville was attacked by an Ursa minor. Much of the town believe that Trixie was connected to the attack. "I went to investigate and followed the perpetrator into the Everfree Forest, a suspicious resting place. I entered her mind, " Luna sighed, "but we hadn't nearly enough magic for what followed, my mistake." Luna admitted bitterly. "Trixie's dreamscape was well-crafted. I tried questioning her about the attack, but she deflected. Then she hid, showing a series of strong memories. I finally got her to face me and attempted to knock her into unconsciousness. The plan was to send the guards to pick her up." Luna's eyebrows wrinkled in concentration, "Everything else is — blank... All I remember was that it was very painful. I assume based on the numbness we feel in our legs my consciousness lost connection to my body?” Celestia looked down, ashamed, "I cast a re-animation spell." Her horn glowed as the necromantic spell was undone. Luna smiled, “Thanks, Tia. That must have been hard for you.” she finished, popping a cucumber into her mouth in an attempt to avoid the awkward moment. Celestia nodded, smiling weakly, “Always sister. What else do you know about, Trixie?” Luna nodded, “She is a strong unicorn, easily in the top ninety percentile. I believe she graduated from your school for gifted unicorns. She was a performing street magician and worked in a theatre production at some point. It also seems likely she had been trained in the art of lucid dreaming, are you offering such classes?” Luna replied, excited. "Not that I am aware of, sorry Luna" Celestia replied. Luna glanced outside, her mood turning sour, as smoke rose from the Everfree forest. “I am sorry sister. Judging from the smoke cloud rising from the Everfree Forest we don’t think she would have made it. She should have been asleep when your spell hit, Sorry.” A sad expression came over Celestia as her fears were confirmed, she had saved Luna at the cost of killing Trixie. She would need to send a letter to the family, “Did she tell you her full name?” “Trixie, called herself, a few different names. Twilight called her Trixie Lulamoon, with The Great and Powerful Trixie being her stage name. Tonight something changed after Ponyville was attacked. When we fought she called herself something — something strange.” Luna said softly, a wave of fatigue overtaking the alicorn as Luna struggled to keep her eyes open. “Well Tia,”-Luna said, a yawn interrupting her speech- “Thanks for teh food, we are. . .” Luna didn’t even finish her sentence before she was passed out on the table, soft snores following her abrupt departure into her dreams. Celestia smiled at Luna as she slept peacefully on the table. Finishing her salad, Celestia lifted Luna into her bed. Not letting you sleep alone tonight lulu. Luna began to snore loudly once in bed. “Ohh Luna, what would I do without you?” Celestia asked herself, smiling at her sister’s cute expression as she slept. After thanking the chef for a midnight snack, Celestia instructed the guard to wake her a half an hour early to lower the moon. Celestia lay in bed, thoughts pervading her usually calm mind. I'll need to get the full story from Luna tomorrow so I can write a letter to the family, Celestia sighed. Lulamoon, where have I heard that name before? Celestia asked herself before falling asleep. > Chapter 7: The Dark Forest > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trixie awoke to a burning sensation throughout her body, like a bad sunburn, the heat cut deep into her skin. She groaned weakly, her limp body struggling to move. Trixie's breath was labored as each breath brought in uncomfortably hot steam which smelled strongly of rotten vegetation and urine. Trixie opened her eyes to see the world on fire and steam wafting off everything. Just outside the hollowed-out tree, the very ground itself boiled. Like a pop tart left in the microwave too long, the earth bubbled and hissed outside her shelter. Trixie stood, her legs wobbling as she took a few steps toward the opening of the hollowed-out tree. Trixie gasped as what she saw, falling on hind legs in shock. Outside hundreds of small fires burned. The once dense forest lay bare. A new fire-lit gorge stretched out in its place pointing back to the now visible Canterlot. Trixie shivered as she recalled the night's violent ends. Trixie's breath came in short and hitched, the shock fading to a heated panic. The pain, the blood, the fight, everything came crashing down. Her teeth began to chatter, I killed Princess Luna. The image of the gorged alicorn flashed repeatedly through her mind, the phantom would forever haunt Trixie. But in the fight, all Trixie remembered was the absolute glee she felt as the spear ripped into Princess Luna. The fight was satisfying– the murder, enjoyable. Trixie dry-heaved, the un-harmonious thoughts and deeds making her nauseous. Shadowbane took this opportunity to make himself known, "Finally awake I see. Took you long enough! We have much to do and little time to do it. Hurry along or I'll be forced to take over again." Trixie twitched at his voice but was otherwise despondent, “What is happening?” Trixie croaked weekly. She stared out at the devastation in a trance. Shadowbane created an illusory body, "Remember me!" Trixie jumped back as the black spectator's body sprang into being. "We made a deal Trixie.", a long scroll appearing in the air, "Now it is time for you to fulfill your side of the bargain. Simple as that. Any change to your person is of no concern to me." Trixie moved forward to inspect the familiar scroll, looking over the many clauses and sub-clauses that she had no time to read last they spoke. Shadowbane coughed, "Now it is time we take our leave. I have bought us some time to leave the forest, but it is not wise to test our luck. I have no idea how quickly Celestia will send the search parties, but I am certain she will send someone. I have many plans that need instigating. Even if you are a useless piece of trash, even trash can burn to keep a house warm." Trixie gulped, the enormity of her troubles settling in. Trixie started to move onto the finally cooled earth as the last of the fires slowly burned out. "Fine, what do you want The Gr– Trixie to do." "Well first, we shall head–" Shadowbane was interrupted by an ominous howl which sprang into the air. The low soft call was greeted by others as the once still forest burst into a chorus of howling. An icy cold shiver ran down Trixie’s back, prompting her to move from the smoldering tunnel. Shadowbane continued, "—Haha it looks like we are about to have some company! Normally, I might let you die and find someone else, but Timberwolves make horribly boring hosts. They are far better than your useless self, but I can't very well take a timberwolf into Hallow Shades. Let us be on our way." Trixie quickly trotted across the smoldering opening, attempting to remain calm as the howls grew louder and more frequent. She reached the treeline, entrenching herself in the deep brush of the Everfree forest bordering the newly formed highway of burnt vegetation. Trixie peered out over the open area. Her shelter, the old hollow tree cast permanent shadows of unburnt plants across the burning enclosure. The green stripe of the vegetation defying all logic as it lay contrasted against the shifting ash and smoldering vegetation. Trixie’s eyes focused, attracted to the motion of a shadow shifting on the other side of the gorge. Trixie's eyes went wide as a massive creature gracefully sneaked out onto the opening, cautiously approaching the log, sniffing. The timberwolf was joined by another, a younger and smaller devil which violently dashed toward the log, tossing gray ash into the air as the creature came to a halt next to other. A third came into view, the largest of the three, its massive body dwarfing the others as the beast strode out into the open. Trixie, stood motionless as the three creatures sniffed and snarled; the antagonizing scent of burning pony driving the creatures to relentlessly claw at the log, searching for the source. The graceful timberwolf looked up, his eyes searching the dense forest, then he began to trot. He traveled back and forth examining the smoldering tunnel carved out of the forest until he stopped. The beast sniffed the bits of hair scattered about the burnt vegetation. He let out a low growl summoning the two others to his side as the pack followed the trail. Trixie’s heart rate raced, the three monsters steadily approaching her hiding place. Scenario after scenario of echoing throughout her mind as the timberwolves encroached upon her hiding place. "Haha, well look at that. You're popular, O Great and Powerful Trixie. How about this, I'll help you try and not die if you try and be a little less useless.", Shadowbane said in their mindscape. Trixie thought back, "Fine, Trixie will do it." Trixie's skin crawled as she felt the dark magic take hold once again. Shadowbane grinned, happily "Ha-haha, That's my girl!" Trixie’s horn began to glow, magic clocking her form in the dark brush. The three timberwolves approached, the leader following Trixie’s scent. Across the scorched burnt scar in the forest, there was a loud rustle in the bushes. The group of timberwolves turned, then bolted for the bushes. The rustling continued up the mountain luring the group further away from Trixie. "Haha, cleaver." Shadowbane thought in amusement. Trixie smirked, “See, Trixie does not need to fight to be great!” She touted. Shadowbane's dark magic subsided, "Next time clue me in on the fun, won't you! I burned up at least 2 years of your life there." Trixie flinched, "What!" she said out loud. Shadowbane laughed, "Ha-ha-hahaha, ponies are so fun to play with. Now let us be on our way." Trixie cast another active camouflage spell and exited her hiding place. She couldn't explain why, but she was pulled in a particular direction through the forest, knowing instinctively where to go. The night remained bright, the moon hanging still in the night sky a soft breeze frolicked through the forest’s underbrush rippling leaves against the tired unicorn’s hooves. The quite gave Trixie space to think. She wanted to doubt that Princess Luna was killed. If there was any chance— "Shadowbane?" She called. "Yes, little girl, What is it?", he replied shortly. "Did w-we kill Princess Luna? I am having trouble remembering." She lied, hoping her memory was fake. "Ahhh, ever Celestia's little caring pony. Forget about it!" Shadowbane scorned, "Your only path forward is me! It does not matter to you whether she lives or dies, only that I am satisfied." Trixie nodded, the unspoken end she would face should Shadowbane become unsatisfied flashing through her mind. Shadowbane laughed,"Ha-haa. For now, let us keep to the shadows. There will no doubt be an investigation and it would be best to keep a low profile." I am a criminal, a spectator possessed murderer. Trixie's mind combusts into chaos. A whirlwind of emotions, anger, grief, fear. Trixie knew the fate of all criminals. Back in Manehatten, she would hear stories of what happened in the jails. She saw first hoof the brutality and ruin which followed criminals. The memorable encounter flashed through her mind. ~~~ A group of royal guards were marching the streets, a brown stallion with a short mane and bruised body followed the troop. The distraught pony trotted slowly, iron cuffs on each hoof with chains attached to four guards. The chains clanged eerily on the stone walkway as the group slowly preceded. The stallion in front was a tall unicorn, wearing a high ranking police uniform, he trouted proudly with his crew and prize in tow. The leader froze, his face taking a hard expression. The stallion, held a hoof aloft halting his company as he scanned the near vacant street. His horn began to glow, a dark blue shield enshrouded his company. “In the name of Celestia, reveal yourself!” He shouted. An eerie silence followed as a few curious onlookers watched the group anxious to who he was referring. Moments later an energy bolt sailed from one of the rooftops striking the shield as two homeless earth ponies simultaneously bucked the bubble shattering the shield into hundreds of fragments. A few dozen others flooded the streets unicorn, pegasus, and earth ponies ripping the peaceful street into pieces as they fought. Trixie hurriedly ran away, screams of pain and a brutal fight echoing through the streets. ~~~ Trixie kept moving, pulled through the forest by an invisible rope. The vivid memory distracting her as she moved. After the fight, her Mom it was the Gray Horns who ambushed the guards. Trixie tried to rationalize the situation, what would really happen to her? Technically, She thought to herself, I haven't broken any laws. It isn’t illegal to kill gods right? Trixie chuckled to herself. Who in their right mind would make such a law? Wait. . . She remembered her elementary days, It is against the law to hurt any sapient creature capable of speech, Trixie cursed to herself as she realized there was no possible to sidestep the law. A twig snapped behind Trixie. She froze, her mind concentrating on her camouflage to meld into the surroundings as she turned her head toward the sound. One of the timberwolves from before stood several feet away, glaring at Trixie as sap dripped from its jagged mouth. The beast crept closer to Trixie, as he prepared to pounce. Trixie, stood frozen in her place fear gripping her hooves grappling them to the ground. Shadowbane laughed into Trixie's mind, "Hah, it looks like you will be needing my help after all!". The effect was immediate as Trixie's body once again filled with dark magic. Trixie’s body twitched as two separate beings fought for control towards different actions. The timberwolf now aware of the exact location of Trixie pounces at the fidgeting unicorn. Both consciousnesses saw it coming and their wills finally aligned leaping out of the way of the attack and blasting the timberwolf back with a blast of telekinetic force. The timberwolf roared as the magical blast tossed him into the air flying away from the Trixie at an astonishing speed. The beast growled low as his massive claws dug into the hard earth to stop itself from sliding further from her prey. "Useless pony! That was pointless! I am taking over!" Shadowbane roared. Trixie was terrified, the near-death experience cowed her into submission. Shadowbane took the opportunity to take control, guiding Trixie's mind and body. The fear melted away into cold calculated thought. Trixie's body calmed as the two beings' control and goals merged. They were Trixie Shadowbane once more. They stood facing down the timberwolf, a massive grin plastered across their sweating face. Trixie's horn glowed, another blast of force breaking the outer branches of the beast. The timberwolf stumbled slightly back from the blast, glaring at the unicorn, a strange expression of shock and rage beaming down upon the tiny unicorn. The beast let out an ear-splitting howl as the beast re-engaged its prey. Trixie heard Shadowbane curse, the timberwolf was calling for help. Trixie fired another burst of telekinetic force toward the beast's head. She followed it up with another a quick camouflage spell, darting away into the dark forest. "You really are a one-trick pony aren't you. No real fire magic, and a host of useless stage magic." Shadowbane lamented. Trixie will think of something. Those tools are greater than you know! Trixie thought back, angry that Shadowbane was not impressed with her life's work. The timberwolf roared again, unphased by the magical blasts, it pursued Trixie. Its wooden body buckling loudly as it raced around trees and large brushes to keep up with the small unicorn. The massive beast got within a claw’s distance of the mare only to receive a blast to the face knocking the timberwolf back a few feet before continuing its pursuit. Trixie summoned an ice lance, the hack-job of a spell she cast in her dream, altered to fit the physical realm. Condensing the moisture in the air into a thin filament of razor-sharp ice. The cyan conjuration bolted after the timberwolf, the shard’s edges grazing the timberwolf front leg. The beast slowed considerably, the attack dealing notable damage. The beast continued to follow Trixie from a safe distance. Close enough to see, but too far to attack once more. Horror filled Trixie’s gut as timberwolf’s intentions became clear as her sprint slowed to a trot, keeping the beast kept its distance. Trixie stopped, eyeing the timberwolf carefully as they regained their strength. The timberwolf responded in kind, confirming Trixie’s fears as it stayed out of range. "This one seems smarter than the average timberwolf. We will need a plan." Shadowbane commented. Trixie ground her teeth, "Trixie is working on it!". She took a deep breath trying to calm herself. Don't panic! Being thrown to the wolves and a stage show gone awry are like the same thing— right? There must be a way out of this! The timberwolf howled again. In the distance, other howls echoed through the forest. Trixie’s eyes darted to see where they would come from, but then notice that the forest was darker in the direction to the south. Taking the note of the timberwolf’s temporary distraction as it howled again she dashed off to the south. Trixie felt her eyes hiss as she ran into the dense forest. The black forest turning to shades of grey as her vision improved. Frantically she jumped from log to log, diving under massive branches trying to put as much forest between herself and the timberwolves. It was almost unnerving how agile she felt now. The grass and thick brush which once made her stumble and trip were easily vaulted. Trixie was breathing hard, but she didn’t feel fatigued; instead, she felt afraid and thrilled at the same time. The sensation was uncanny, but the endless waves of energy were more than welcome. She felt great and doubled her speed darting through the forest at a furious pace, a grin finding its way onto her face as she went. Minutes passed, the thrill of the chase pushing Trixie onward. Unfortunately, she hadn’t lost the timberwolves. The pack of creatures pursued the unicorn relentlessly, their number almost a half dozen, bore down on her from all sides. Trixie breathed hard, trying to speed up as the pack got closer, but her body started to slow. One of the wolves made it into range pouncing at Trixie. A quick glow of magic altered it's course into a passing tree, its form splintering in the collision into hundreds of branches. A wave of howls echoed throughout the forest as the beast’s body scattered across the forest floor. Trixie’s lungs and heart started to give as hundreds of cramps began to populate her body. "You disappoint me, Trixie. No matter, I'll find another. Goodbye Trixie, I can't say it's been a pleasure knowing you." Shadowbane spoke in a bored tone as the timberwolves descended on their prey. Shadowbane also pulled his dark magic away, the world turning dark once again as he prepared to leave. In desperation, Trixie cast several dozen smoke bomb spells, blinding herself and the wolves as she blindly darted through the forest. The ground disappeared beneath her, Trixie’s stomach lurching into her racing heart as she fell out of her cloud of smoke. She screamed, falling headfirst into the ground. Instinctively, Trixie summoned a shield spell upon impact, breaking her fatal fall. The impact was heavy, as loose dirt shattered. The unicorn lay semi-conscious in her impact creator. A falling branch slashed open her cheek, waking the stunning unicorn. Trixie opened her eyes, revealing a swarm of timberwolves clawing their way down the cliff she fell off. Trixie Jumped up to sprint the other way and promptly stumbled screaming in pain. Trixie's front hoof was sprained or broken. She hobbled away from her impact crater a small light flickering in the distance like a beacon in the dark forest. Trixie’s hope surged at the possibility of salvation. One of the timberwolves dove out of the smoky forest above, the beast screeched as it fell, exploding upon impact a few feet behind Trixie. Trixie let out a short cry as branches and rock shrapnel flew around her. Another chorus of howls filled the forest urging Trixie into a quicker, yet awkward skipping pattern. Trixie let out a low curse as she saw the timberwolves reach the bottom of the cliff. Now only a large opening separated Trixie from the beasts. Trixie reached the treeline, only a few hundred feet more until she reached the light source ahead. Glancing behind her she cast another spell quickly before entering the forestry to pursue the light Several elongated force fields materialized into existence, like long tubes of magic they hovered above the ground a few feet high and perpendicular to the approaching horde. The closest timberwolf failed to notice the magic as the light blue blended with the cold stone below. The beast thrashed across leaping energetically missing the first tube, he tripped on the next smashing its face into the ground as splinters scattered across the opening. The other timberwolves enraged doubled their pace after the unicorn stumbling over the magical force field tubes. Trixie winced at the magical feedback as the first tube shattered. She was nearly halfway there when she felt a reverberation of magic the tube closest to her. Trixie looked back to see one of the small devils approaching, kicking up soil and slashing into the trees as the beast jumped from ground to tree limb and back in seconds, transversing the rough terrain with ease. Trixie pushed herself to go faster, hissing in pain with each painstaking step. Trixie felt the beast was close and started to cast her ice lance in defense. She turned to greet the charging timberwolf, it pounced at her diving from the trees dozens of feet into the air attempting to smash the mare on impact. Trixie was ready, finishing her spell she extended the length lance digging the shard deep into the ground with the point extruding a dozen feet into the air. The feral beast screech as its body was impailed by the ice lance. The beast roared in pain, a whiff of small black smoke escaped its chest cavity as the green light in its eyes burning seconds ago extinguished, replaced with by darkness. Trixie stared at the beast for another second, its lifeless form still intact, yet hollow of any motion. Another chorus of howls echoed throughout the forest prompting Trixie to continue running. Three more timberwolves cleared the rocky opening entering the forestry in pursuit. Trixie was not in a good way, stumbling as she approached the light source only a few dozen feet away. Trixie stole a glance at the three timberwolves which had now taken up a formation behind her. Trixie’s vision began to blur, her body shutting down under the strain of her injuries and exhaustion. Trixie set to one final blast in defense. The three timberwolves dove claw first at her small form. Trixie’s horn exploded with light, a massive blast of telekinetic force cascading through the forest tossing the three timberwolves with a massive wave of dust through the forest. The magical blast launched Trixie in the opposite direction, wildly catapulted through the air, she screamed weakly. Trixie flew through the air, the world blurred around her, dark green trees and dark blue sky swishing by her eyes as she flew. The flying unicorn saw the sky one last time, then was greeted by a wall of fire. crashing into the fire until her vision fading to black. > Chapter 8: Sunlight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A light breeze flew throughout the streets of Ponyville, an eerie silence pervading the small town. Only a week had passed since the massive ursa minor had terrorized the town leaving several ruined houses still pending repair. In the desolate streets of Ponyville stood a figure, no taller than a pony digging at the ground in frustration. “These ponies of old tremble at what they're told,” Zecora murmured under her breath a little gruffly. Looking around she found only one word over every shop in sight. “Closed.” Read every storefront she visited. Zacora was familiar with the racism against her kind and expected this behavior. Zacora didn’t hate the ponies for their racism. Truth be told, she hadn’t intended to visit anypony in the few years she intended to reside in Equestria. However, due to recent events, she would need to visit Ponyville at least a few more times this month. She had wanted the solitude to focus on her research, and as such, it was her duty to work as efficiently as possible, which didn’t include communication with ponies. Zacora had been a focused student during her time in school, and now in the field of research, she wanted to retain that same level of productivity which her family and teachers praised. Zacora had in-fact been hoof picked for this job. She was a representative of Zebrica, her employment was part of a political alliance between the two nations. Princess Celestia’s generous agreement to open trade between the two nations had been contingent on Zebras and Ponies making an effort to cohabitate. Zecora's talents were flaunted as a great boon to all pony-kind and though she had no involvement with locals, the optics said otherwise. Zacora real mission was to investigate the Everfree Forest. Her end goal was to piece together a plan to cleanse the forest of its evil. Anyone with a brain knew it was a fool's errand. Zacora was stubborn though and wished to give it her best attempt. Zacora understood that she wasn’t the most qualified for the job, but this task required a unique perspective to understand and solve. She only needed a week of deliberation to accept the letter’s invitation and now— Now here she was, a month into her research with nothing to show for it. A week ago she had begun her first of many experiments to call out the spirits of the Everfree Forest to talk to them about why the Everfree forest was tainted. That night resulted in complications that lead to the reason why she was in Ponyville. Annoyed, Zecora decided that she had spent enough time waiting for somepony to help her and strode over to one of the shops which had been hastily evacuated. She went behind the counter and looked through their wares. The little stand was a clothing shop of sorts that had been set up for the coming winter. After a few more moments she found a small roll of cloth that had been discarded in one of the boxes. The cloth was a bit coarse and would prove workable for its purpose. Picking it up, she estimated double it's cost then deposited the coin on the front counter. Zacora repeated this process a second time when she invaded the herb shop across the street and then again at the street corner where a cart of apples was sitting. With each 'transaction' her discomfort grew. By the time she reached her last stop, she had gotten very good and very fast at ransacking the shop for supplies and paying. Zacora quickly headed to her home, a spark of urgency driving each hoof with nervous energy. She half expected the police to come out and snag her for the apparent theft. As Zacora left town her eyes were drawn to a photo of a familiar face. A wanted to note. ~~~ Sunlight shone through the open window dancing across Trixie's face as she lay in the single bed. Trixie had woken up less than an hour ago, the bright sun awakening her in the nearly vacant room. Trixie tried to get up and look around, but she was restrained by white cloth wrapped around all of her limbs. She wasn't tied up. Her restraints were a consequence of the medical treatment she and sore muscles. Trixie seemed at odds with herself, waking up in a strange house, covered in cloth should have scared her half to death. But in light of recent developments, it seemed like a perfectly normal way to start the day. What worried her most was what she would do next. A woeful future awaited her. Furthermore, Shadowbane had done nothing to contact her since his apparent departure late in the night. Trixie lay there for many hours struggling to piece together a good plan. A noise rang out from the front door shattering Trixie’s concentration. Trixie waited nervously looking over her bandage covered body. Five minutes passed. Trixie became anxious, wondering if she should speak up. Another five minutes passed until she painfully forced herself onto the bed's backboard to face the room's entrance. “What’s blue, and stinks like a rue?” A calm voice called out over the room. Trixie jumped at the voice, gasping at the surge of pain which accompanied her surprise. Turning her head in the direction of the voice, her face contorted into a mixture of both surprise and relief. “oww. . . I don't know.” Trixie stated in a confused tone. “Why that’s you,” Zecora said as she walked toward the bed from one of the dark corners of the room. Trixie’s initial pain from the surprise faded. The mare's voice was soothing and did much to calm her anxiety. Trixie recognized the mare to be a zebra, a citizen of the nation of Zebrica, a peaceful nation from far away. “Ohhh. . . Wait, what’s a rue?” Trixie asked. The pony like figure which Trixie assumed to be a zebra, stood over her with a dismissive expression eying her with suspicion. “Many years I have waited to do my research. Far and wide I’ve traveled in search of this birch,” The zebra reached out a hoof pointing out the nearby window. “And at last I have found my place of rest,” she gestured to the surrounding walls, ”But only to find this mess!” She pointed at Trixie with a hoof and a piece of paper at its end. Trixie frowned at the accusing gesture, faking offense she turned away “Hey, I didn't ask you to do this to me. And why am I so wrapped up anyways?” “I have attended to your burn. However, I found something of concern.” The zebra said with an off-putting tone. “Tell me, Trixie Lulamoon, why have the Princesses requested informants about you in return for a boon?” The zebra’s words fell on Trixie, dark and threatening as the rhythmic atmosphere broke. Trixie froze at the mention of her name, turning in an instant toward the zebra. “how do you know my name!” she barked. “The answer is near, if only your eyes would see here!” the Zebra passed the wanted note to Trixie. Trixie turned back to look at the paper, reading the header she pulled it toward herself with her magic. Sweat started to pool up on her guilt-ridden face as she read the announcement. ~~~ Wanted: Information Trixie Lulamoon 100 Bits By request of the Royal Princesses, any information regarding Trixie Lulamoon is to be disclosed to the royal or local guard. Any useful information will be rewarded up to 100 bits depending on the information. If you had any significant relationship with Trixie Lulamoon either family or close friend, the Royal Princesses would like to invite you to visit Canterlot, expense-free, for a personal meeting. Anypony who is not related to Trixie and takes advantage of this offer will be heavily fined. ~~~ Trixie read the wanted poster over several times more, each time her eyes reached her name, her heart skipped a beat. Putting the paper down, she stared at the ceiling in disbelief, murmuring to herself for several minutes. She lay there lost in thought, a dark rainbow of emotions fluttered in clouding her senses. The zebra watched with an agonized expression as she overhead the distraught pony. “What am I going to do. . . Luna is going to kill me. . . I’ll be banished, no executed. . . I’ll have to hide, or maybe leave Equestria. . .” Trixie mumbled in panic. The zebra listened until her curiosity overtook her usual patience. “You still haven't answered my question? Please tell me of your transgression.” “Ummmm. . .” Trixie fumbled with her words, not exactly sure the best way to tell the zebra what had happened. “Well,” she began slowly “I talked to Princess Luna last night, and I guess she wants to know more about me?” she said in a half convincing voice. Trixie saw a hundred other questions brewing on the Zebra's face. “I have questions of my own. How did Trixie get here? And who are you?” The zebra frowned at the sudden and obvious shift in the conversation. “I am Doctor Zacora, a zebra studying flora. As to what transpired, I found you frying upon my pyre.” Zacora paused for a second turning her face to reveal a small cut on her face. “Your company last night was most unwelcome, I fought them back,” she paused, considering her words, “you're welcome,” she said with a hint of sarcasm. Trixie looked at the Zacora wide-eyed, “You fought the timberwolves, how did you manage that?! Trixie was lucky to escape with her life.” Zacora turned away, not wanting to remember last night’s encounter, “wood and fire are like two lovers, they only need a path to find one another.” Trixie’s scowled, berating herself. If only I knew a decent fire spell. Damn Shadowbane for being right.. Trixie knew many fire illusions. but actual real fire magic was horrifically dangerous to practice on a stage. One minor mistake and everything would be lost. useless— Shadowbane's words echoed, though the specter was nowhere to be found. Trixie's mind wondered back the violent event, thinking if there was anything she could have done. Zacora, looked at the mare lost in thought. “It seems I have lost you, I’ll be in the kitchen preparing a brew.” Zecora left the room, "Imal, majnun" she spoke in an unknown language. Why couldn’t I do anything. . . Zacora, a zebra, defended me against an entire pack of timberwolves. And she pulled it off without a scratch. That pack almost killed me! thought shamefully. She was a unicorn, and yet her life was saved by a lowly zebra. Her life's struggles all compounded at this moment. Useless—, tears fell down Trixie's face. ~~~ After hours of dower reflection, Trixie's tears had run dry. She sat up, wiped her face clear and called for Zecora. Zecora entered, a calming smile on her face, "I am glad to see you up, here let me take a look at you closeup." Trixie nodded and pulled off the covers to give Zecora a look. Zecora unwrapped the lose bandaged to reveal Trixie’s natural light blue fur, matted down flat against her skin. Zecora gasped at the sight of Trixie’s healed body. “You have been blessed!” She stammered, “Only just last night you were a mess! The Everfree forest has healed your burn, over the night and upon the day’s return.” Zecora looked over Trixie’s body rigorously, looking for any signs of damage, but found none. Zecora trouted a few steps back to took at the entirety of Trixie’s perfectly healthy body. “I do not wish for you to exert, but could you move about to see if you hurt?” Trixie nodded compulsively and got out of bed and trotted around the room with ease. Zecora eyed her with great enthusiasm, picking up a nearby notepad to write. “You feel no pain, no discomfort or strain.” Trixie nodded, “A bit sore— but otherwise, I feel great,” Trixie said excitedly at her regained freedom. She continued to walk in circles around the room for several more minutes. The novelty of walking in circles wore off replaced by growing boredom. Trixie sent an annoyed glance toward Zecora. She didn’t seem to notice, but instead continued was writing furiously on a notepad. “Zecora,” She said politely. Still no reply, “Zeecoooraaaa. . .” Trixie sang to the bemused zebra. “oh. . .” Zecora looked up from her notepad, “You can stop now. Let's get some chow.” With that Zecora waved a hoof for Trixie to follow her down to the kitchen. Trixie nodded. They walked down a winding staircase into a large open room with wooden masks hung on the walls. Zecora hummed a light tune as she busied herself preparing the food. Zecora started a fire in the center of the room, a large cauldron hung above the blaze. Trixie's eyes drifted to the fire. She felt uncomfortable near the dancing flames. An unnatural urge flee rose within her. “What are you making?” Trixie asked, trying to distract herself. “What I make is a recipe most forgotten. Please trust that it is not rotten. This stew is from my homeland, A celebratory soup which none find bland.” “What are we celebrating?” Trixie asked. “Connecting to the spirits is rare, be it for information or care. I desire to speak with the spirits of this forsaken grove, to discover their secrets and clean its trove . Today I am filled with joy, a miracle from the spirits oh boy! Such a wondrous day, for you and me to come out of the fray. By the spirits of this forest's glow, their love and care they did bestow. This sign gives me hope, that my efforts will not dissolve into drope.” Trixie looked at the zebra in the way she would look at anypony who she thought was crazy. A perfectly normal expression crossed her face, she nodded. “Ok, so The G- “ she stuttered, “Trixie was healed by the spirits of the Everfree Forest?” Zecora smiled and nodded as she threw a few vegetables into the boiling cauldron. The next ten minutes passed without more than another word passing between the two of them. Zecora busied herself with perfecting the celebratory stew while Trixie attempted to fruitlessly find a comfortable sitting posture on one of the exotic chairs around the table. Zecora lifted two bowls from the counter, serving the steaming stew from a decorative ladle into the bowls. “Blessings from the homeland, I hope you find this grand,” she said, the bowl sliding across the wooden table with ease to stop in front of Trixie. A spoonful latter and Trixie had a small smile sprouting across her face. Trixie happily consumed the soup at a ravenous pace. “I am glad you enjoyed the stew, but my family’s it does not live up to.” She said with a grin as Trixie finished her bowl. Trixie eyed the empty bowl eagerly, contemplating weather licking it clean would be worth the humiliation. Saved from the dilemma, the bowl was whisked away by Zecora over to the stew pot. “Would Trixie like some more of my stew?” as if she needed to ask, Trixie, nodded fiercely. “Then I tell me what is far overdue.” Trixie frowned, recoiling back into the uncomfortable chair she was sitting in. “Trixie already told you, Luna and I had well. . . A disagreement. . .” “What did this 'disagreement' you had entail? I want specifics and this stew is getting stale.” Trixie wanted to tell the truth, but the truth was painful to tell. Trixie really wanted more stew. “Fine, I will tell the truth. But only because I want more of that stew!” Trixie said aggressively. Trixie paused as her eyes drifted from Zecora to the cauldron. “I want the entire cauldron, not just another bowl.” Zecora nodded. “Well, it all began. . . well, I don’t know how long ago exactly, but when I entered Ponyville as The Great and Powerful Trixie. I was. . . “ Zecora listened intently to Trixie's tale. A calm face covering her increasingly sour mood. "The last thing Trixie remembers is being blasted back from the spell into your fire." Trixie frowned, feeling shivers at the memory of the fire. Zecora pushed the bowl of stew to Trixie, now lost in thought over what she should do with the mare. My research must come first. But to banish this mare would be the worst. This criminal must not be found here, so I must make her disappear. Zecora frowned, filling the bowl again as she made her decision. "I cannot let you stay, you must leave without delay. Please listen and understand what I say, for I live here under your princesses whom I must obey. For my sake, no my people' sake. I wish you to leave, before the evening's eve." "What!? Please, I need your help. I can't get through that forest alone. Please." Trixie begged. Zecora looked away, "The forest's path will lead you out— in the day it's a safe route." "How am I going to live, I don't have any money. My cart was destroyed. Please Zecora, I need to stay here." "You must leave or your path I will join, but here take this bag of coin." Zecora pushed a small pouch of money onto the table. "But—" Trixie tried to protest but failed to come up with a convincing argument. Zecora turned suddenly, noticing a newly lit candle near the doorway. "Somepony is coming to my hut, I am afraid our talk will be cut. Quick take this clock, hurry now don't choke." Trixie nodded and sprang into action. "Take this map, there is an exit out back. Sorry again to push you out, but there is no time to mill about." Trixie reached the back door looking back to Zecora, a strange pull making it hard to flee the house. "Ohh, right. Ishara null," Zecora chanted. Immediately Trixie felt a rush of cold fill her body, laughter filling her head. Shadowbane was back "Finally!!!"