“We’re being followed, right?” Cheerilee whispered.
She didn’t turn to check. Fighting down the urge to itch at her coat was taking almost all of her willpower as it was. Whatever Other-Trixie had dug up to partially bleach her coat was itchy. Very itchy.
“I haven’t looked, but I would assume so,” Greengrass whispered back. He glanced at Cheerilee, waiting a moment before asking a question. “Care to explain what’s going on with Lulamoon?”
While Princess Luna hadn’t told them not to discuss Other-Trixie’s origins, Cheerilee didn’t feel particularly inclined to spell that out for Greengrass either. “She’s just feeling a bit...intense, about Bayou Runner.”
“That seems far too simple an explanation. She seems...off.”
Cheerilee mentally frowned. Other Trixie must have been less careful than she thought she was being if Greengrass was picking up on the differences in her behavior. Thankfully, Cheerilee had a way to deflect the issue for now.
“Oh, I don’t know. We used a crazy complex plan to truth poison you to spill your plans. This is a complex plan to make a pony admit the truth. Is it really that out of character for her?”
Greengrass frowned, but had no answer to that, so onwards they walked. After winding their way through many streets, they came to their destination. An “abandoned” warehouse on one of Canterlot’s mid levels. In reality, it was a supply depot for the city watch, easy borrowed on an order from Princess Luna for this little sting of theirs.
Other Trixie was waiting outside, almost lurking in the shadow of the building. “Did you send the message?”
“Yes, we did,” Greengrass frowned. “Am I free now?”
“Oh no Greengrass,” Trixie grinned. “I’ll need you at the auction tonight. Once we have everything squared away with Bayou Runner, then you can go back to wallowing in your failure.”
“Now that was uncalled for.”
Trixie shrugged. “Maybe. Just be there tonight. Eight o’clock. Understand?”
“Fine,” Greengrass sighed. “The sooner we get this over with the better. Shall we prepare Notary?”
“Actually,” Trixie interrupted, holding up a hoof. “I’ll need your assistant's assistance. Come on Notary.”
Cheerilee followed Other Trixie while Greengrass peeled off on his own. They looped around the back of the building, slipping in through one of the side doors. Cheerilee closed it behind her, before taking a moment to make sure that it was securely locked. She began to ask Trixie and question, only for Trixie to cut it off with a raised hoof.
The rest of her friends were waiting in the middle of the warehouse floor. They were engaged in a game of cards apparently having started a game to pass the time while they waited for her and Trixie to return. They all looked up, Trixie once more holding up a hoof to cut them off. Her horn immediately began to glow, illusionary forms of ponies sitting and listening attentively springing into existence around them.
“Now we can talk. Quietly though.”
“You’re pretty sure that we were followed,” Cheerilee said.
Trixie shrugged. “I mean...if you were in control of an underhooved, backstabbing organization, wouldn’t you follow up on a disgraced noble that came to you with an offer you can’t refuse?”
“...I suppose I can’t argue with that.”
“So...what’s the next step?” Raindrops asked.
“Princess Luna should be handling the other end,” Trixie frowned. “Cheerilee, you’ll be with me at the auction as Notary. Raindrops, you’re strong and scary-”
Raindrops glowered at that comment, but Trixie plowed on ahead.
“-so I need you to deal with Night Shade. He’s Bayou Runner’s magical support and a complete coward.”
“Sooo….”
“You’ll need to get him alone and intimidate him.” Trixie said with a nod. “And don’t be afraid to rough him up a little if you need too.”
Ditzy gasped. “Trixie!”
“Shh!” Trixie shushed back. “I said to talk quietly!”
“Trixie!” Ditzy hissed a bit more softly this time. “You can’t just have Raindrops beat up a pony as part of this!”
“Yeah!” Carrot Top added. “I mean, we’re in Canterlot! I know that your city is...different...but we can’t do that here!”
“Look, I know what I’m doing here! Night Shade just needs a little pressure-”
“No, Trixie,” Raindrops practically growled. “I am not going to beat up a pony for you, no matter how much you look like my friend. I will scare him. And that’s it.”
Trixie glowered. “You’re not making this easy for me. The sooner we get rid of Bayou Runner, the sooner we can get your friend back. My team follows my lead.”
Cheerilee shook her head. “We're not your team though. Just like you're not our Trixie. You need to understand that.”
The frustration on Trixie’s face was clear as the day, but she sighed and moved on. “So, anything else we need to do?”
“Yes,” Trixie nodded. “Ditzy?”
- - - -
“So, they’re in on it together.”
The news really hadn’t come as a surprise to Bayou Runner. Something had smelled off about Greengrass’s offer from the beginning. You really couldn’t trust a snake after all. He would know, after all. Though why Greengrass was getting involved in the scheme was a larger mystery. Didn’t seem like there was much for him to actually gain here.
Lulamoon’s interest was clear though. Luna’s student wanted another feather in that ridiculous wizard’s hat of hers. The details of how she had undermined the Night Court were still scattered and somewhat contradictory. But what he did know, was that Lulamoon clearly had intents to climb the ladder and that she didn’t have any qualms with taking down the corrupt to do so. Just what Canterlot needed, a crusader.
“Boss?”
He looked up at Muddy Waters. “Sorry Muddy. Just thinking about what to do about our little friend.”
“Can’t rough her up,” Storm Front observed. “Too close to the princess. Also, Equestria kind of needs the Elements of Harmony still.”
“Ugh. Corona,” Bayou Runner shook his head. “Never thought I’d be factoring in the actions of a second ancient alicorn into my business plans.”
The auction was clearly intended to be a trap of some kind. Attacking Lulamoon was right out, but if he didn’t show up, she’d just try again later with a different angle. That left only one real card for him to play. Wreck her plot and leverage the knowledge to extort her silence. After all, Luna might look the other way when it came to helping root out corruption in her court. But going after a poor business pony for personal gain? That wouldn’t do.
He glared over at the form of Night Shade, who was nervously waiting in the corner. The white coated unicorn always did seem somewhat foolish with the fluffy pompadour he kept his mane in and his near constant bouts of cowardness. Still, he was a skilled unicorn, especially when it came to analysing and detecting magic. He had all the tools he needed.
“Right. Here’s what we’re going to do….”
- - - -
Eight o’clock came faster than a pony could realize. But by the time the hour came, Bayou Runner was ready. Muddy and Storm were left back at his office. Just in case Trixie had another angle and because they weren’t exactly presentable for a high class affair. On the off chance this was a real auction of course.
Greengrass’ manor house was on the second highest level of Canterlot. This was the ring of the nobility. Night Court members, their support staff and family, and other hereditary nobles all made this ring home. The buildings practically glowed with their opulence. White marble, dark blue colored roofs and silver trim were the order of the day.
The house itself was on the smaller side for the quarter. Only two floors- though they were large enough to hold half a dozen rooms each- that were set back into the mountain itself, hedged in by an immaculately maintained yard. Definitely the kind of property that belonged to somepony just starting out in the Night Court. Which was a little odd, considering the high rank Greengrass had managed to achieve before his fall. Still, he had to start somewhere and so far, there seemed to be some possibilities here.
Striding for the front gate, Bayou Runner adjusted his bowler hat and jacket collar. Night Shade followed along, looking ready to pass out as always.
“Calm down Night Shade. You’re jumpier than a long tailed cat in a room full of rockin’ chairs.”
“I...s-sorry sir.”
Past the gate and the gardens, there was grumpy looking jasmine coated pegasus guarding the front doors with a clipboard tucked in her wing. She looked them both over as they drew near, her frown growing even deeper.
“Name?”
“Bayou Runner and my assistant Night Shade.”
The pegasus flipped up her clipboard. “I have Bayou Runner, but no assistant. Did you inform the duke you’d be bringing one?”
“...No. Why is that relevant?”
“Well, we weren’t expecting him. So he’ll have to be subjected to a random security check.”
Bayou Runner’s eyes narrowed. “If you’re targeting him, then it’s not random, is it?”
“I’m just doing my job sir.”
“Why is this even needed?” Bayou Runner frowned.
“Greengrass has made some enemies. This is for his protection.”
It was clear from her body language that she had no intent on backing down. While it was annoying, getting into a brawl with her wouldn’t serve his goals here at all. So he nodded. “Alright.”
“Would you please step inside then?”
They did just that, coming into the wide entrance foyer. Double hardwood doors were at the far end of the hall, while four smaller ones- two on each- lined the sides. Greengrass was waiting by the former and quickly approached Bayou Runner.
“Glad you could make it.”
Bayou Runner nodded. “Anypony else show up yet?”
Greengrass’ eyes flicked to the great double doors at the end of the hall. “A few. Turnout could be better, if I'm being honest. Trust seems to be thin on the ground right now.”
Bayou Runner raised an eyebrow. “Am I hearing this right? The great Duke Greengrass admitting difficulties?”
The tension in Greengrass was clear as the day. He sagged a the question, but Bayou Runner could see the way his muscles tightened under that fancy jacket of his. The way his ears drooped and the corners of his mouth twitched down, ever so slightly. He appeared to be a broken pony. A pony being dragged down by the weight of his new lot in life. It was a look that Bayou Runner knew very, very well. When a pony gave you that look? That was the time to strike.
“It's been a bad year,” Greengrass answered. “Now, if you'll follow me….”
“In a moment,” Bayou Runner said. “After my stallion goes through your security.”
The pegasus began to lead Night Shade towards one of the side rooms, when Runner held up a hoof. “I want to watch. Just to make sure you aren’t trying anything.”
Greengrass’ guard froze, looking to her employer for help. Night Shade did the same. Bayou Runner ignored him, instead looking towards Greengrass, watching his reaction. The duke frowned, rolling his eyes as he did.
“I really don’t have time for your paranoia, Runner.”
“Now, Greengrass, considering your reputation-”
“Let’s talk about your reputation instead,” Greengrass snapped back, storming towards him. “Let’s stop being coy with each other, shall we? Do you really think that you could engage in your property rigging shenanigans in Canterlot without me knowing about it?”
Bayou Runner took a step back, raising one eyebrow. “Assuming I believe you, why didn’t you do something about it? You’ve never struck me as the sharing type.”
“Well, you know, I was planning to do something, right before my career was destroyed! But I didn’t last as long as I did in The Game without being careful. And I’m not going to stop, just because you’re constantly looking over your shoulder. You’ve won without firing a shot and whatever you can extract from Canterlot is yours. But I am not going to budge and will get some respect before I slink away, never to be seen again!”
He finished his rant with a petulant little hoof stomp, in a near perfect imitation of a spoiled foal.
My, maybe he’s more broken than I realized. Bayou Runner thought. “Alright,” he nodded. “But I wait at the door and listen. Just to make sure you’re not trying anything.”
“Fine,” Greengrass nodded. “Can we just get on with it?”
Runner followed Night Shade and the guard pegasus to the side room, pausing just at the door as it snapped closed behind them. Cool wood tickled his ear as he pressed it against the crack between door and frame.
“State your name for the record please,” the guard grumbled.
“N-night Shade.”
“Occupation?”
“Mage and advisor.”
And so on the questions went, running down the basics and then into the details. Bayou Runner was forced to admit that they were basically the same questions that he’d ask in a similar situations, largely focusing on who Night Shade had spoken too over the last few days. Greengrass must have been looking for somepony in particular. After maybe ten or so minutes, the door opened again and the pair came trotting back out.
“Your pony is clean,” the pegasus smirked. “Poor little thing is a bit of nervous nellie.”
“Yeah, he’s like that. Now, come on.”
The manor’s ballroom was of decent size at least. The long rectangular room sported a polished marble floor and a hardwood stage against the right wall. The left wall featured a raised balcony for making pronouncements from, as was the rage in Canterlot, thanks to Princess Luna. A few tables had been set up around the room, each containing their own refreshments. Slightly over a dozen ponies milled about the room in their best dress, lightly chatting with each other. Bayou Runner moved through the crowd, noting that more than a few of these high rollers seemed to be wearing last year's fashions. Of course, it was the presence of one mare in particular was the more immediate concern.
Trixie Lulamoon was casually loitering near one of the tables, sipping some manner of mixed drink. She had forgone her iconic star studded hat and cape for a neat purple vest. Bayou Runner was gobsmacked.
“Not even bothering with hiding it, is she?”
“And now you know why my humiliation is complete,” Greengrass sighed.
“Should I-” Night began.
“Scan her.”
Night Shade’s horn glowed as he cast out a spell detection charm. “Doesn’t look like she has much of anything.”
Greengrass sighed. “Well, I suppose I can take some small comfort in that at least. Go ahead and mingle. I’m going to get this farce started.” With that, he trotted off, heading for a door set into the wall just under the balcony.
“Any other special guests I should be aware of?” Bayou Runner called after.
“Just one,” Greengrass called back. “And you’ll know her when you see her.”
Bayou Runner could only raise an eyebrow and wonder exactly what Greengrass meant by that. So he helped himself to puff pastry and listened to the idle chatter amongst his fellow buyers.
“M-my daughter is getting ready to step into the Night Court. This wouldn’t make a bad first home for her.”
“It’s quaint. But it could use some work. I’m thinking a complete gut and overhaul.”
“Tear it all down and make a park. The common pony will love that! Plus, I’ll get a tax write off for the trouble….”
“Hmm,” Bayou Runner grunted. Rolling his eyes up to the balcony as a trio of ponies stepped out onto it. There was Greengrass, of course. And the Notary mare from before. But Princess Luna’s presence was thoroughly unexpected. Soft mutterings rippled around the room, his fellow bidders clearly as surprised at her presence as he was. Reasons for Luna’s presence churned in Bayou Runner’s mind. Perhaps she was here to keep tabs on Greengrass? It wasn’t entirely outside the realm of possibility and would neatly line up with why the disgraced duke didn’t bring it up. But it was just as likely that there was something else going on here, so Runner kept his mouth shut and continued to watch.
Fluttering her wings ever so slightly, Princess Luna cast an imperious gaze down upon the assembled ponies, but said nothing, instead allowing Notary to speak.
“Welcome mares and gentlestallions to tonight’s auction for this historic upper ring property. We shall begin our bids at twenty thousand bits.”
A flurry of bids immediately rang out, the price jumping in leaps and bounds. Bayou Runner hung back, throwing out a bid every now and again to stay in the mix. All the while he watched the other bidders, looking for subtle cues and other hints at their motivations. A flick of a tail or ear here, a casual scratch of the head or neck. Ponies weren’t really as guarded about their body language as they thought they were. Night Shade hung back a little more to give himself a wider view of the ballroom, and to keep an eye on the balcony. Every time he looked at Princess Luna, he seemed ready to pass out again.
Now the bids were beginning to slow, hovering around the two hundred thousand bits range. The price wasn’t entirely out of the range, considering where the building was, though doubts continued to flicker around the back of his mind-
“Surprised that you aren’t pushing things a little harder.”
Lulamoon had slinked over to him while he was distracted, still the cat the swallowed the canary with that smug smile plastered all over her muzzle. A glass of some kind sparkling wine floated near her head...or perhaps it was some other kind of alcohol that just sparkled because of her magic. Either way, it was the perfect garnish to her smug attitude.
“Ahh, Miss Lulamoon-”
“Trixie,” she interrupted, eye twitching slightly. “Just Trixie. I hate Lulamoon.”
Runner rolled his eyes. “Why are you even here?”
“I’m here to buy a manor! Considering all that I’ve done for Equestria at this point that I think I deserve one.”
Bayou Runner rolled his eyes. “Glad to see that you’re staying humble. So, why are you over here, bothering me?”
“Because, I’m wondering why you’re here.”
“Well…,” Bayou Runner sighed, rolling his eyes towards the roof. “This is a piece of real estate. I was thinking that I’d buy it and then sell it again. Hopefully at a profit, since that’s my job.”
Trixie chuckled, leaning in a little closer. “Oh, come on now. The Great and Powerful Trixie isn’t a fool. You know as well as I that this auction is far too above board compared to the usual business you conduct.”
So...blackmail, or an attempt to get in on the ground floor? Well, there was an easy way to figure that out.
“You’re fishing.”
Trixie chuckled, absentmindedly swirling her drink, her insufferable smile growing all the wider. “Please. You think that the likes of Greengrass and the rest of the corrupt lot didn’t tell me about all the rumors and rumblings they were keeping tabs on.” She paused just long enough to take a swig of her drink before pushing forward again. “Did you really think your operations were unknown to them?””
Blackmail it was then. Bayou Runner could already see the pitch coming. It was one he had made more than a few times in his own career after all. He spared the barest of glances towards Night Shade. He stood with one foreleg crossed over the other and ears slicked back. While it might seem the casual stance to anypony else in reality it was one of the many prearranged signals the two used to communicate in these situations. This particular one was very important, considering the pony he was talking to.
Illusion magic in play. Be on guard. Then he yawned, rubbing his forehead while slightly nodding his head towards the balcony.
Of course, Bayou Runner thought. Why not use “Princess Luna” to help make your point?
Runner was quite sure who was behind it too. Trixie Lulamoon the great hero of the working class ponies was finally preparing to step into the void she created. And what better way to solidify her position than by offering Princess Luna another corrupt pony on a platter. Well, two could play the royal favor game. All he had to do was bait the hook.
“Fine. What do you want?”
Trixie glanced up at Princess Luna. “Not going to discuss it here. I’m sure that Greengrass has a bolt hole we can hide in to discuss business.”
A smile played through Bayou Runner’s mind. “Follow me Miss Trixie.”
As they wound through the crowd and back towards the front doors, Night Shade fell into step beside Trixie with a slight nod of his head. He lead the two of them back to the little side room where Greengrass’ thug had done her little interrogation. Once they slipped inside, he kicked the door closed.
“So, Miss Lulamoon-”
“Trixie. I hate-”
“I know what you hate and I know what I said,” Bayou Runner hissed. “And I also know that I want you to get to the damn point!”
Trixie swirled her drink again and downed it in one smooth motion. “Fine. I am moving up in Canterlot society and you’re going to fund that climb, starting with this manor. And you’re going to accept it and,” she jabbed him in the chest, grin growing almost predatory as she did, “smile while doing it. Or I’ll walk out there and tell Princess Luna about all the horrible things you’ve done. And you know what? She’ll believe me. Because without me and my friends, there won’t be anypony to stop Corona.”
Bayou Runner simply looked at Night Shade. Night Shade nodded back. Bayou Runner smiled, slowly turning his head back towards Trixie. “Well, let me explain something to you Lulamoon. I know full well that ‘Princess Luna’ out there is just an illusion. So, I’ll give you a point for at least trying to play the con. But I’ve been running the con since you were just a brainless little filly.”
He advanced, jabbing Trixie in the chest. “I’m better than you and I’m better than those fools in the Night Court! I’ve been swiping property from ponies under Luna and her blind collection of sycophants for almost a decade now! And I’m not going to take lip from some spoiled little brat who thinks she can play with the adult ponies.”
Trixie recoiled slightly, but then put her facade of bravado back up. “Luna will listen to me.”
“Luna never stopped me before, and she won’t stop me this time! And considering your reputation in Canterlot as is, it will be much easier to destroy. To say nothing of whatever precarious situations your friends are in financially! So, turn around, leave, and let me do my business!”
As his rant petered out, Bayou Runner found himself breathing hard at the sudden burst of sheer venom he had spat at Trixie. At least until he heard a female voice, cool, collected and meticulous from his immediate left.
“Well...I think I have enough.”
Light warped and shimmered around a space in the chamber, as Princess Luna appeared. Bayou Runner found himself eeping slightly in surprise despite himself. He almost didn’t believe it. He couldn’t have gotten fooled so easily.
Reaching out he pressed a hoof against Luna’s chest, finding it quite solid and non-illusionary. Finding his mouth suddenly quite dry, he looked up into Luna’s eyes. Somehow, despite the neutral expression she was wearing, her eyes were as cold as the icy reaches of the north.
“Thanks Night Shade.”
Thanks? When did the Princess of the Night just say “thanks”? Eyes narrowing, now he glared right back at Luna. “Night Shade...unless you want me to tan your damned hide, I suggest you drop this trickery right now!”
“But…”
He lashed out with a hoof, cuffing the unicorn upside the head. “Princess Luna” flared her wings, but didn’t move forward or try to otherwise stop him with. And as Trixie’s eyes began to nervously dart between Night Shade and Luna, a horrible smile crossed Bayou Runner’s muzzle, a sense of giddy glee swelling in his stomach.
“Do it, Shade.”
Whimpering, Night Shade channeled. A puff of blue smoke burst on Luna’s body, followed by a dozen more as the complex, interwoven illusions collapsed at once. Where Equestria’s only monarch stood a moment before, now a wall eyed, gray coated pegasus mare stood instead. She blinked in shock, recoiling from the Bayou Runner.
“Well, ain’t this something,” Bayou Runner chuckled. “Lulamoon, I think you’re cooked. And I aim to do the cooking here.”
Burning with anger at the clumsy attempt at blackmail, Bayou Runner reared up, preparing to give both these ponies the beating of a lifetime. At least, that was the plan. In reality, he didn’t get much further when a glittering blue aura enveloped his body and slammed him against the door. Another invisibility spell faded away and a second Princess Luna now appeared, behind the gray pegasus, her horn glowing.
“And now I really have had enough.”
Bayou Runner was pretty sure this Luna wasn’t an illusion. He suddenly found himself yanked forward, coming nearly snout to snout with her. As angry as the illusion had appeared, the actual princess was somehow even worse. Somehow she seemed even larger than normal, the room colder and darker under her gaze.
From behind him, he could hear Trixie chuckling now. “What was it you said? You’ve been conning since I was a foal? See, I was counting on that. So I gave you the perfect con to foil, to distract you from what I was actually doing. This is what we call a sting.”
The mention of “sting” made Runner’s mind grind back into action. There had to be a way out of this…or at least a way to lighten the punishment that was coming his way.
“You’ll need more collaboration than just the word of a former assistant.”
“No,” Luna said, her voice snapping across Bayou Runner like a whip. “I watched you try to extort a pony right in front of my eyes. For that alone, I could lock you away for quite some time, never mind the attempted assault! And while you could drag out the dozens of other charges with all manner of tricks and chicanery, you aren’t going to do that. You are going to confess to your crimes and not waste everypony’s time.”
“And before you think about arguing about that,” Trixie added. “Your offices should be getting searched right about now. So...there should be a bit of evidence backing up your confession.”
With that, Bayou Runner could feel the fight drain out of him. To oppose Luna further at the moment would only make his current situation worse. So, he nodded once and let Princess Luna haul him away. As the remains of everything he had built collapsed around him, he could only ask himself one question.
Where had it all gone wrong?
- - - -
“You know, I’m surprised that went so well,” Cheerilee mused.
After seeing that Bayou Runner and his minions had been safely locked away, Trixie had joined Princess Luna and her alternate’s friends in the courtyard of Canterlot Castle. The guards had seen to it that there were no ponies wandering in our out of the area while Luna prepared her magic to walk between worlds. Trixie regarded the ponies this universe’s version of herself had befriended, all currently wearing star metal armor that Luna had forged for them due to their service to the crown. They were completely unneeded in Trixie’s opinion, but Princess Luna had decided to send her guards for them anyways. Though, she’d have to ask her Princess Celestia for some armor in the future. Still, her success with Bayou Runner- without even really needing to use the whole of her plan- had left Trixie in a good mood. Despite the annoyed glares that still occasionally came from Princess Luna.
“Was there really ever any doubt?” she asked. “I told you that I know how Runner thinks.”
“It was still a risk.” Raindrops grumbled, her armor lightly clinking against itself as she stomped a hoof. “What if I hadn’t been able to strong arm Night Shade?”
Trixie raised an eyebrow. “Then I’d have come up with some other plan. You’re telling me that you’ve never had to improvise in all the adventures you’ve been dragged into?”
“Well...yes,” Ditzy frowned, nervously flicking her tail. “But that hasn’t always worked out the best for us either. Like when Lyra got kidnapped by Grogar.”
That made Trixie’s jaw drop. “Wait...you tangled with Grogar? The Ram of Darkness? The Scourge of Tambelon?”
“Huh...I guess he’s a bit more well known in your universe,” Lyra mused. “...And a ram, I guess.”
“What, he’s not a ram in yours?”
“He’s some kind of goat. ...Though it was hard to tell what kind with all the dark magic he was using.”
“No…,” Trixie frowned back. “He’s a ram! His horns curve around and everything!”
“Sheep aren’t sapient though!”
“They are in my universe!”
“...Why?”
“Why not!”
Luna interrupted the growing argument with a cough. “While this is a riveting conversation, I’ve located the thread of the magic Trixie used to travel here. I’ll be able to take us to her universe with my spell now.”
“Let’s get going then,” Trixie nodded. “The sooner we go, the sooner this can all get back to normal.”
Princess Luna made a sweeping gesture with her wing. “Everypony gather close then. I’m sure you remember how disorientating the trip can be.”
“Oh, I remember,” Carrot Top pouted, before trotting to Luna’s side all the same.
As Luna began to channel the magic for her spell, Trixie watched with interest. The sensation of being transported by the Sextant of Worlds had been sudden and shocking. More of a sudden jolt than anything else. Princess Luna by contrast was slowly weaving the threads of magic around the group, forming a kind of arcane basket to carry them all. Hopefully, it would make for a smoother trip.
The magic reached its crescendo, the basket becoming an arcane bubble around them. Then Princess Luna’s horn glowed a little brighter and the world fell away.
- - - -
Princess Luna hadn’t cast this particular spell many times. In fact, there had been less than half a dozen instances in the whole of her long, long life where she had felt the need to slip between the cracks of realities. Despite that number being low, she was quite familiar with how the spell felt. There was something about the process that was unmistakable, a sense of lightness that settled over the body as one slipped out of one reality and into another. Based on what this other universe’s Trixie told her about her home universe, Luna wasn’t expecting this trip to be anything out of the ordinary. It would take a matter of moments, as the spell instantly whisked them between worlds.
So when she was suddenly yanked out of the spell, she whinnied in a mixture of surprise and fright. In the next moment, she found herself tumbling onto a sturdy stone floor. Without a moment of hesitation, she sprang back to her hooves with a flap of her wings. Sliding into a defensive stance with her head low and wings flared, she eyed her surroundings.
The chamber that Luna found herself in was large and circular. Rows of stone seats- not unlike an ancient Roaman senate- were arranged in four tiers, the highest tier of the lot consisting only of three overly ornate looking thrones. One of them looked frighteningly familiar, with its tall, lanky construction and deer like antlers set at its top. All of the seats were situated around a central space of empty floor, which in turn rang an open hole in the stone. Luna spared it a quick glance and could see what looked like the whole of Equis and a little bubble of light floating towards it. Trixie and her Element Bearers still stood within, seemingly unaware of her absence.
“What manner of trickery is this?” she muttered to herself.
“Consider this, an inspection, Princess.”
Luna spun towards the voice, a feeling of dread growing in the pit of her stomach. She knew that voice. Despite its relative feebleness it was still one she knew all too well. A cloaked figure, wiry and emaciated, had taken one of the seats while he peered down at her.
“Tirek,” she spat, the name bile in her mouth. “I see you blight this universe as well.”
Tirek flipped back his hood, smiling smugly despite the heavy iron chains bound to his wrists. “You wound me princess. I have more of a reason to be here than you. This universe already has a Luna. Please turn around and return to your own universe.”
Being addressed by the lord of Tartarus like a Canterlot bureaucrat was surreal enough to make Luna burst out in laughter. “I will do nothing of the sort! One of my ponies is on your world and I shall not leave her! Especially not with you as the gatekeeper, you loathsome, lying backstabbing monster!”
“Mmm…” Tirek smiled. “Loathsome I may be…” He threw a hand forward, a crackling beam of green magic leaping forth. It struck Luna in the chest, blasting her across the chamber. Her impact shattered a few of the stone chairs into dust and as she rolled back onto her hooves, Tirek’s laughter echoed in her ears.
“But here...I am a god.”