//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 – Great and Powerful // Story: The Nightmare King // by Lt_Lance //------------------------------// The Nightmare King :Chapter 6 – Great and Powerful: Zecora is a proud independent black wome... I mean independent Zebracan medicine mare who has scratched herself a living in the Everfree Forest. She had built a hut of sorts into the base of a tree. Zecora was no fool she knew what dangers lay in the forest. Around her hut, hung many of her people's warding masks. The masks were used to keep away evil and darkness. Zecora also found that many of the Everfree’s predators seemed to avoid them. On any normal day the sound of birds chirping and small mammals scurrying about would be her only company. It was an average day in her hut as she was mixing potions of different effects. Nopony ever bought her brews though whenever she had tried to venture into town the roads were abandoned and anypony that was ever out just plain ignored her. She was contemplating her lack of social interaction over the past few years when she heard several of her wards going off, telling her that something was being repelled. Normally she wouldn’t mind if a stray manticore came by once in a while but this was different. The masks weren’t making the normal sparking electric sounds. They gave out soft vibrating humming sounds, until the one over her door shattered into pieces. Then she heard another sound. *Knock* *Knock* *Knock* “At my door some great darkness must have gathered. That is the only reason my mask would have shattered.” She grabbed her meditation staff and approached her door fully prepared to exorcise whatever evils lay beyond. *Knock* *Knock* *Knock* “What manner of beast knocks on one’s door? They would normally bite and thrash or cause an uproar.” She undid the latch on her door and pushed it open with her staff but stopped halfway through when she saw what was on the other side. It was the last thing she ever expected to see in front of her. Never mind out in the forest. “Now I am truly confused. When evil spreads darkness a bar colt is used?” Lance stood in the doorway smiling like an idiot. “Hello Zecora my name is Lance I am not here to harm you.” He said cheerfully. “How is it that you know my name? I am a zebra of no real fame.” Zecora questioned still pointing her staff at him. “Now Zecora that’s a matter of opinion, don’t you think?” Lance said waving a hoof and stepping closer towards the zebra. Zecora pointed her staff into Lance’s face and spoke with a threatening tone “Now you wait right there. You’re giving this zebra quite a scare. I smell darkness all around you. It is a smell I know well from my years making brew.” Lance sat down in her door way and put a hoof to his chest “Please believe that I have no ill intent here Zecora.” He spoke in an almost pleading tone. Zecora stood there for a few more seconds and then lowered her staff. “I can tell what you do here is not evil. To hurt me already you have been quite able.” Lance stood up again and smiled. “I promise that I will be no trouble Zecora. May I come inside?” “Oh my apologies how rude of me.” Zecora placed her staff against the wall and motioned for lance to come inside. “Come in and sit would you like some tea?” “That would be nice Zecora, thank you” Lance took this moment to admire the inside of Zecora’s hut. She had various vials and mixtures hanging from her sealing and lined up in shelves. Her cauldron bubbled in the center of the room. Zecora went through a entrance way that lead to a kitchen. Her sleeping area was on the other side of the room. Lance sat down at a small table by one of her thatched windows. After a few minutes Zecora returned with a tray and two steaming teacups. She placed the tray on the table and hoofed a cup to lance and then sat down across from him. She took a sip of her tea and asked lance a question that had been bothering her since she laid her eyes on him. “You are a colt cloaked in shadows. Across your skin I can sense that the glamour flows.” “Well I am rather fond of this form Miss Zecora.” Lance said courtly “What could you be? You are no changeling. Are you some new foreign being?” Zecora questioned raising an eyebrow and looking Lance up and down. “I am just a visitor to your humble abode right now Miss Zecora. Can’t we just have a pleasant conversation?” Lance and Zecora talked about her past and profession. Zecora was from the nation of Zebrica which borders Equestria from the south. Zebrica was a lot like the Everfree Forest in the sense that the animals are uncontrollable. It ranges from tropical rain forests to bleak deserts. She had a family back home in a small village called Shady Stripes. She had a mother who was a powerful well respected potion maker and two brothers. She spoke of her homeland with such pride and longing it would make someone wonder why she left it in the first place. “Miss Zecora why are you living in the Everfree?” Lance asked. “To make my brews there are many plants and herbs I know. In a free growing forest is the only place that they grow.” She answered pointing out the window towards the forest. “No I was wondering what you are doing so far from home.” Zecora didn’t respond for a while and a serious expression found its way onto her face. “That …truly is a sore topic. I would appreciate it if we would drop it.” “Yes, of course Zecora I didn’t mean any offense.” Lance said worried that he brought up bad memories. Zecora smiled at lance “It is okay my new friend. There is no need to make amend.” They both sat there in silence sipping on the tea Zecora made for a few minutes. Lance finished his cup and put it down in order to ask the question that had brought him here. "Zecora I have a job offer of sorts for you. I am here on behalf of the Nightmare King. He has seen your alchemic skills and is impressed. Would you consider using your talents to aid him?” Zecora grew silent again and appeared to be deep in thought. “So the land of dreams has rule once again? Tell the Dream King that I refuse, but I do not mean to offend.” “That really is too bad Zecora. Is there any reason in particular that effected this decision?” “Alchemy is a subtle art a lot of its power comes from the heart. If the process becomes tainted by fear, the outcome of my magic will become unclear.” “I can see where you are coming from Zecora, but we are still disappointed. I will respect your decision whole heartedly. King Myrvang is not a tyrant, he will not force you.” Lance put down his empty cup and stood up. He walked to the door and turned around to say his farewell. “Remember Zecora, if you ever need anything you can find me at Molly’s Pub in Ponyville. We are open to patrons of any species who pay. Oh, and thank you for the tea.” “I will remember that my new friend, if I ever need anything I won’t hesitate for you to send.” I was walking back into town after I had just had tea with Zecora when I heard it. There was a commotion in the town center and all the ponies were looking at a strange cart. And then it rang out across all of town. “Come one, come all! Come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” “Oh. My. God! …Trixie is in town!” This I had to see this. I don’t really know why it must be a brony thing. I ran as fast as I could to get to town square. Almost everyone in town was here to watch this magician. I found Skies and Molly standing in the back. “So why are we here again?” Skies said “I duno everypony else is here let’s just see what she is about.” Molly answered I walked up behind them trying not to alert my employees to my presence. They seemed to be enjoying themselves watching the show. She really does have a flashy little show going on up there. It was like a combination of stage illusions and unicorn magic. It would have been fun to watch if she wasn’t a bitch about it. After every little trick she did she went on and on about how she is the greatest thing to happen to ponies since Celestia herself. Hey look rainbow dash just got in her face. Oh yea this will be entertaining. “That Trixie really is the looker ain't she Skies?” “If you could get past her attitude then da, I would agree with you Molly” Trixie called out to the crowd from the stage. “Don't believe the Great and Powerful Trixie? *chuckles* Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians anything you can do, I can do better. Any takers? Anyone? Hmm? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived!?” A group of ponies in the front began to challenge her. Applejack was the first to fall of course. Bound up with her own rope “And there goes the mane six up there making fools of themselves.” “Oh oh I’ma go up there! Just you watch I’ll have that dote in the sack by tonight Skies!” I put my hoof on her shoulder and shouted “You will not!” She was a little startled “Celestia’s flamin teets!” Everypony around us grew a blush and looked away from her less anypony around would think they are associated with the mare. Red Skies had his face buried in his hooves. I wore a look of udder surprise. “I’m going to have to remember that one.” She turned around to face me panting to catch her breath. “What in the name of all that is good and holy did you do that fer!?“ I coughed to clear my throat “I will not have my employee go up there and be embarrassed in front of the whole town. Trust me Molly Trixie is a self-centered obnoxious showboat, not exactly good girlfriend material.” “But come on Lance just look at ‘er” Trixie had just finished up with rarity turning her hair into seaweed …Hilarious! She ran off crying all the way to her boutique. Trixie was laughing like a maniac. I rolled my eyes “What a catch Molly.” “So she’s a lil full of ‘erself I can rein her in!” “Only if she turns out to be gay.” Red Skies budded in. “You really think she’s not?” Molly said tilting her head in thought. “There are hundreds that think so.” I said under my breath “What was that Lance?” “Nothing Molly, let’s just head back to the pub we have a long night ahead of us.” “Oh and why is that?” “This will be a perfect opportunity to observe Twilight Sparkle that’s why.” “The cute lil bookworm who works the library?” *Facehoof* “For the love of all Molly do you ever think of anything else besides sex?!” She started to laugh “Well yea, there’s the times I think of drink!” *Double facehoof* (when one facehoof just isn’t enough) “Get back to the pub the sun is getting low on the horizon and ponies will be needing a drink tonight, trust me.” Molly’s Pub was doing alright business wasn’t slow far from it all the regulars were here tonight. Berry Punch was sitting at the bar drinking her favorite beverage grape juice and vodka (well there was grape juice in it). She was on her sixth round when a sound pierced the air. *Roar* “What the hey wash that?” She called out with her head on the bar top. “Well it looks like the foals have brought tonight’s entertainment!” I said looking through the window. “Whatsh goin onn?” Berry asked me. “There is a giant raging monster in town Miss Punch.” “Pinchy!” She got up from her stool and ran out the door faster than I could blink. “I’ll just put it on your tab then.” I said to the empty bar stool. I went to my room and grabbed the book I got from the library and put It in my new saddlebags that I bought. (Fuck you I’m allowed to shop) I grabbed Red Skies and told him to come with me and we made our way towards the center of town. I know exactly where the monster is heading. In the show there were just a few scattered scared ponies but right now in the simple town of Ponyville there was hysteria. I wouldn’t be surprised if looting broke out …actually I would, these ponies would never do that. In the middle of all the chaos stood an azure mare and a couple of colts. Trixie looked terrified and the colts were still praising her telling her to deal with the Ursa. She looked pathetic and scared while she tried to deal with the Ursa Minor. She used her cheap tricks with rope and pyrotechnics and only succeeded in pissing it off. It started to tear up town square ripping the fronts off entire buildings. It picked up Trixie 's cart and threw it completely out of town. “Well this is different.” I observed. I spotted Twilight and her assistant standing at the edge of the square looking at the destruction. Spike nudged twilight a few times and pointed at the Ursa. She gulped and then put on a serious face. She stood tall amongst a crowd of cowering ponies. They all ran in fear but she trotted with confidence towards the Ursa. The astral beast stopped its rampage to look her in the face. Twilight's horn began to glow a light purple and the wind began to pick up. Her horn glowed even brighter and a light song could be heard coming over the wind. The Ursa’s eyes became unfocused and it sat down. Her horn began to glow white and she just fucking tore the town water tower out of the ground. And broke the top off and sent it away. At this point her head was glowing like the freaking sun it hurt to look directly at it even with my shades on. I began to feel something weird coming from Twilight. Her magic felt like it carried a presence or weight. It made me feel sick and uneasy. My shadow seemed to actually try and get away without me. “Note to self, do NOT fuck with Twilight OP Sparkle.” “Skies!” I yelled “Da?” “Go find Trixie’s cart and tell me where to find it. I have a plan.” “Why should I?” he questioned “Because I’m your boss now go!” I yelled pointing towards the forest. “Fine fine I will go.” He said as he flew off in the direction of the cart. The water tower returned resealed and filled with milk. She picked the Ursa up and cradled it with her magic and gave it the water tower like some kind of over-sized baby bottle. The entire town was awestruck by the spectacle. She carried the Ursa Minor all the way back to its cave in the Everfree forest. “How the hell does she even know where to put it?” She collapsed onto the ground panting for breath. That huge display of power must have taken a lot out of her. Her friends ran to her side and praised her. She seemed relieved and they had a nice little lesson in friendship learned. The crowd began to disperse all talking about what just happened. Looking around it seemed that Trixie had already bailed. “Perfect.” When it was all said and done Twilight promptly passed out. “Twilight!” spike yelled out. “Well that’s …different. No mustache for the misbehaving colts then?” I said watching the whole thing unfold from the side of the road. “Oh pony feathers! Twilight are y'all alright?” Applejack asked the unconscious pony. “Hey wake up egg head!” Rainbow Dash shouted at her. “Can’t you two see she has magic exhaustion!” Rarity yelled at her two friends. “Magic what now?” Applejack asked cocking her head. “She overexerted herself the poor dear all she needs is some rest” Rarity said “Well I guess somepony oughta take her home then.” Applejack said. “Well I suppose Rainbow should…” looking around no trace of the cyan Pegasus could be found. “Rainbow!” Rarity yelled into the air. “Aw hay! Can you handle this Rare Twi’s library is all the way on the other side of town and I gotta get back to the farm.” Applejack pleaded. “I don’t know Applejack I’m not built for labor like this.” Rarity said looking at Twilight I decided to step in and end there pointless bickering. “Hello ladies, maybe I could help.” “A bar colt?” Rarity questioned. “Why howdy there Lance! Rarity this here is Lance he owns the pub that just uh… reopened in town.” “Hello Miss Rarity you are looking lovely this evening.” “Maybe if I flatter her then she will be to distracted to comment on my-” “Oh my, look at what you’re wearing!” “God help me!” Applejack and I both put on a worried expression “It’s …fabulous!” “What?” “What?!” Applejack and I said in unison “Normally bar colts just go with a simple shirt or maybe some form of tacky neck wear but you!” She got up in my face and was grinning like a madmare “You went all out on your outfit! Normally I would say opaque eye wear is tacky but with you! It all just fits together. Where did you get this ensemble?!” I had to back up a few steps to regain my composure “Shouldn’t we be worrying about your purple friend on the ground here?” I said pointing at Twilight. “Oh, oopsie silly me, I got distracted” Rarity giggled to herself. “I would be willing to carry her back to the library I have a book I need to return anyway.” Rarity and Applejack made a little huddle as if to discuss something personal. “I don’t know Rarity, Lance always seemed alright but can we trust him with an unconscious mare?” I facehoofed they weren’t even whispering. “I’m standing right here you know. Also I will have Spike with me he’ll make sure nothing happens to your friend.” They looked up from their huddle and went right back to talking with each other. “He has a point, little Spike would do anything for Twilight and somepony with a good fashion sense can’t be all bad.” “But Rarity” They continued to argue back and forth about the pros and cons of letting a mysterious creepy stranger take their unconscious friend home ...and giving that same person the benefit of the doubt. I looked at spike and pointed towards to arguing mares. “Spike if we wait for them to come to a decision we could be here all night. Let’s just get her home.” “Sure thing dude.” Spike agreed with me shaking his head. I picked Twilight up and put her on my back and walked away from the arguing ponies. They still need to have a sleep over at Twilights in order to learn some things about friendship it seems. Spike and Me were about halfway there when I struck up a conversation to kill the awkward silence that built up between us. “Twilight really displayed some magical talent today didn’t she Spike.” “Yea I have been trying to get her to show up Trixie all day but she kept on saying that it would make her friends think she’s a showboat and they would hate her for it.” “Well it looks like she learned a valuable lesson in friendship today. Don’t you think so buddy?” “…Yea I guess she did!” spike said excitedly. “Hey look it’s the library.” Spike and I walked into the library and he led me to where they live personally. They have some kind of loft above the main library it was a cozy little place but it had there essentials. Spikes led me to their bedroom so I could deposit her onto her bed. I ever so graciously dropped her onto her mattress. She shot up in a sitting position. “Wha?” “Twilight!” Spike yelled in worry. Twilight looked at spike and smiled. “Spike? You got me home? Thank you Spike you really are my number one assistant.” She laid down again. “No it was-“ Twilight had already fallen asleep and was snoring quite comically before spike could tell her I had anything to do with this. “Hehe just take this one buddy I’ll just leave the book on the desk on my way out.” “Okay Lance I’ll see you around.” As predicted business was good at molly’s that night. Ponies of every type needed to unwind after what they just went through. The Ursa damaged my roof when it was making its way through town but it’s alright I’m insured. Molly thought I was stupid for buying that astral beast insurance! Surprisingly no one blamed the foals for what happened. All around the pub the ponies blamed the Ursa on Trixie and her showboating. Oh yea she is ruined. Later a familiar accented voice called out to me “Comrade.” “You found it Skies?” “Da” I smiled “Okay get to the kitchen I’ll be out for a while.” “Da, dasveedanya Lance” “Till later tonight my friend” I called walking out of my busy establishment. Outside of Ponyville and not far into the Everfree Forest sat an azure unicorn rummaging through the wreck of her belongings. She was trying to salvage anything of use from her destroyed cart. Thank goodness it wasn’t in town or else she would have had to leave it along with all her stuff. “I’ll show that obnoxious unicorn! Nopony upstages the Great and Powerful Trixie!” “You do know she saved your life right?” A strange voice called out from the shadows. “Whose there!” Trixie shouted. Trixie looked around the wreckage of her cart. She could see nothing but shadows and trees. The sound of wolves howling could be heard in the distance. She shuddered instinctively from the sounds of the predators. “…I’ll have you know that Trixie was just exhausted from her act! If I were at full power I would have defeated the Ursa without trouble!” She said pointing her nose into the air. “Whatever you say Trix whatever you say. The question now however is what do you plan to do? Your cart is destroyed and I’m sure the news of what happened in Ponyville will spread all over Shire and from there Equestria. Your reputation of a show pony is ruined Trixie.” The voice taunted her from out of sight. “…That unicorn, Twilight was her name I believe. I will show Equestria that I am better than her! I will destroy her in front of her friends. I will show everypony just how week she is!” She said angrily. “Is that a threat against her life?” The voice questioned. “Are you with the guard?” “…No” “Then maybe it is.” Trixie said in her trademark better than you voice. “…Trixie Lulamoon you will not harm one hair on her head.” The voice said in a very serious tone. “What did he just call me? How did he learn that name?!” “How dare you call Trixie by that name! You insignificant thing do you know who you are mocking! I am the Great and Powerful Trixie.” “Yea yea I’ve heard it all before Trix. You don’t impress me.” “Just who do you think you are?! Show yourself before you try to belittle me! Trust me whatever you can do I can do better.” “Now now miss Lulamoon why d-” “Don’t call me that!” she screamed. “…Trouble at home?” the voice mocked her again. “Arrg!” Trixie sent out a stream of flames into the shadows around her cart. Successfully incinerating some shrubs and flowers without setting fire to the trees. “Hmm …destruction magic? I’ve never really seen it used until now. It’s… interesting that you know of such things Trix.” “Show yourself demon! Face Trixie and meet your doom!” Trixie heard an unnerving laugh echo throughout the forest followed by a question. “…Are you afraid Trixie?” “The Great and Powerful Trixie fears nothing!” “Really?” She heard the voice say directly behind her She turned her head around only to see a pair of dark green slitted eyes in her face. “You should never lie to me Trixie.” /=====/\=====\ =====| New Village |===== \=====\/=====/ She came to in a field on the outskirts of some small village. She wasn’t wearing her favorite hat and cape and her mane was a mess. “Where am I?” She yelled looking around. She was in a grassy field outside a cozy little village it looked about half the size of the town she just performed in. the sun was low in the sky signaling that it was late afternoon. “What happened? She asked to no one in particular. “Hellooo! Can anypony help Trixie? She doesn’t know where she is.” With nopony around Trixie decided to walk into the town to seek assistance. As soon as she walked into the town she knew something was wrong. There was no sign of anypony anywhere. The town didn’t look abandoned far from it in fact. It looked like nopony had lived here ever. The paint on the housed the doors the windows were all brand new. “What is this?” Trixie asked to nopony in particular. “Hello!” “Gaaah! Don’t *pant* do that *pant* to Trixie!” “Well I call this the New Village. I like the name fits the setting snugly. Wouldn’t you agree Trix? ” “My Name is Trixie …Demon? *gulp*” Trixie said turning her head to see the pony talking to her and almost instantly wished she hadn’t. This pony was as tall as Celestia herself but that was their only similarity. Everything else about him was in contrast to the sun goddess. Celestia’s coat was as white and pure as the driven snow. This stallion’s coat was as black as the darkest pitch. Celestia’s mane was flowing and graceful in a multitude of dazzling colors. His mane was static and unkempt and sported a dark gray tipped in black. Celestia wore golden shoes that shined in the light. He wore shoes made from ebony that seemed to absorb all the light around them. Celestia’s voice was soothing and had a calming effect on those who heard it. His voice was unsettling and inspired fear. Celestia’s eyes were warm and caring. His eyes were hard and demonic. Those eyes were now focused on the trembling show pony before him. “Trixy welcome to the dreamscape!” The odd Stallion said motioning his hoof pointing at everything around them. “You should feel honored Trix you are the first pony I have ever appeared before in the Dream Lands.” Trixie temporarily forgot her fear. “Who does he think he is!” “Who do you think you are demon? Release Trixie at once!” “Sorry Trix but that’s not really in the plan you see this isn’t the normal deal.” “Normal deal?” “Well you see Trixie normally what I would do is a basic nightmare such as the running away dream or maybe the classic falling one! I like that one. Then there are the times when I expose a pony to the most insane horrors imaginable and in the process tearing there soul apart.” Trixie shuddered at his revelations and his excitement in revealing them. “If you are here to frighten Trixie why are you telling her all of this?” “Because Trix you are not food. I don’t want to destroy you.” “If that is so what do I have to fear simple demon?” Trixie said putting on her smug grin. Her change in tone did not go unnoticed by the Dark Stallion “I said I don’t want to destroy you Trixie not that I wouldn’t.” The odd pony said with a hint of malice. Her smile vanished and she backed off a bit and fell on her haunches sitting in silence. After a while her curiosity got the better of her fear and she asked the pony a question she wasn’t sure she wanted the answer to. “What will you do with Trixie?” The tall black stallion smiled an odd warm smile at her and said in a cheerful tone. “I want to test my newest abomination on you my dear. Well I didn’t come up with them technically, Notch did but still, I gave them new form and made few modifications of my own!” “W-what?” “I always found them unsettling maybe even a little scary at times.” The tall stallion looked down at Trixie again and smiled. “And if I thought they were scary a pony would find them horrifying.” “What are they?” “Endermen” “What?” “Well gottagobai!” The mysterious pony just faded away right in front of Trixie. “He just …left Trixy? …gottago… bai?” She looked around at the town wondering what she should possibly do now. After about three minutes she stood up and heard his voice again. “I would be careful the sun is setting soon little pony. It gets dangerous at night.” “What do you want me to do!” Trixie shouted. “…Survive. I will retrieve you …or what’s left of you at dawn until then good luck. …You’ll need it.” “No don’t leave Trixie here!” But it was too late the strange stallion who brought her here had left her giving her one simple instruction ‘to survive’. “I need to get inside.” Trixie thought to herself. She began to check the doors of New Village trying to find shelter for the night. After about ten minutes of locked door after locked door she began to panic. She was looking around frantically there had to be a building somewhere that wasn’t locked the demons warnings about the night still fresh in her mind. Her panic reached a fever pitch when the last rays of sunlight died over the horizon. She watched Celestia’s golden sun die and felt her stomach sink along with it. She didn’t know why but it just felt horrible to be in the darkness. *Crash* “What was that?” *Crash* Trixie began to back away from the strange noise. She would rather not find out the source of the sound. She began to run away. She ran into what resembled a town square which had a fountain in the center and a clock tower on top of an official looking building. There were various other buildings in the square but Trixie could not decipher there use. She almost fell over her hooves at what she saw sitting in the middle of it. Her cart was here! “Yes shelter at last!” Trixie shouted in excitement. She ran up to the door of her cart and pulled on the handle only to find that it was locked. “What the hey?!” Trixie yelled hitting her hooves against her door. “Who dares hit the door of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” called out an all too familiar voice from inside the cart. “What?!” “Are you deaf foal? Leave at once you are bothering me!” *Smash* “Please you have to help me there are monsters out here!” Just then Trixie heard footsteps behind her. She slowly turned her head to see what was walking behind her. For the second time in under an hour she cursed her ability to turn her neck. It stood on two legs and had long limbs it must have been twice as tall as Celestia! The creature’s arms and legs appeared to be unproportionally long compared to its odd black torso. The whole thing appeared to be on fire but with no flames just smoke secreting from its dark flesh. It didn’t appear to notice her or if it did it didn’t really seem to mind her presence. Low sounds were emanating from the tall creature. It gave out a growl that would put the fiercest wolves to shame. Trixie was frozen in fear she couldn’t help herself from starring at it. When her eyes met the creature head on it stopped completely and turned to face her. “Celestia’s mane.” Trixie whispered in horror. “What is that thing?!” She was a little confused after a few seconds because the monster wasn’t doing anything. It was just standing there staring at her. “Just don’t look at it you dumb foal and get away from Trixie’s cart!” she heard her voice call out from behind the door. “Don’t look at it? What if I already did?” Trixie said turning her head to her cart. “Then you are more stupid then you sound now leave Trixie’s cart and die somewhere else.” Trixie turned her head back to the monster. “Gaaah!” It was now half the distance away from her than it was before. It had one hand outstretched towards her. She could see it in better detail now. Its hands had four clawed fingers and apposable thumbs used for grabbing things. Its face seemed to be almost split in two by its large gaping mouth filled with yellow teeth. Its skin looked almost like black leather and it tugged tightly at the creature’s skeleton. Trixie’s eyes were glued to the monster she was starting to shake in fear. “Help!” “Just don’t look away from it. By Luna you’re stupid!” “Help me! Please help!” “NO now leave Trixie and die somewhere else you’re annoying me!” “Why would you leave Trixie to die like this?” The voice from inside the cart didn’t answer for a few seconds. “…wouldn’t you?” “What!?” "Would. n't. You!?" “No!” “Ha! Who are you trying to fool?” just then the Enderman disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Trixie blew out a sigh of relief. The door the cart opened suddenly behind her. And she was hit across the back of her head. She was thrown face first into the dirt. “The one pony you will never be able to fool Trixie” Trixie turned around to see a shadowy figure standing in the dark “…is yourself.” A pony stepped out and Trixie gasped in surprise. (Because she is the type of pony who wouldn’t see this coming.) It looked just like Trixie accept she was made from black and her cape and hat were scarlet red. “What is going on? He didn’t say anything about this!” Trixie asked. “He also said that this isn’t the usual deal.” The not Trixie said. “W-who are you?” “Me? I am the Great and Powerful Trixie!” “No you aren’t I am the Great and Powerful Trixie!” “Don’t make me laugh foal! You are neither great nor powerful!” “Do you know who you are talking to?!” “Yes of course I know. You are the great and powerful failure!” “How dare you!” “You’re weak and pathetic no wonder that unicorn showed you up.” “Sh-shut up!” “What nothing else to say?” The black Trixie smacked Trixie across the face. She smirked “I thought so” Trixie looked up at black Trixie “I’ll show you pathetic!” she screamed as she wrapped her in a light purple aura and threw her back into the cart. She stomped in after her. “Nopony can best the Great and Powerful Trixie!” She yelled standing up on her hind legs. “My sentiments exactly.” Trixie was thrown out of the cart onto the street by a blood red aura. “Damn you!” Trixie yelled face first on the ground. She pushed herself back onto her hooves and called out to the pony inside. "Get your flank out here and fight me like a mare!” “Yea right like you could beat me.” The black Trixie walked through the doorway of the cart with a smug smile on her face. “You are small, frail, and terrible at magic! No wonder mom never liked you!” Trixie fell on her haunches surprised. “W-what!?” “Come on foal aren’t you going to fight me like a mare?” The dark Trixie said mocking her. “What do you mean mom never liked you?!” “Wow you really are stupid! It’s actually kind of sad. I’m referring to Glory Lulamoon of course. You know …mother?” “That mare has no business being mentioned and she is not your mother!” “Yes she is. I am the Great and Pow-” “No you’re not! Stop saying that.” “Oh you stupid stupid little mare.” The dark Trixie walked over and sat in front of Trixie with a caring look on her face. “You really don’t understand do you?” “Understand what!” Trixie shouted annoyed. The dark Trixie broke into a toothy grin and got right in Trixie's face. “Just who you are up against!” She grabbed Trixie again and slammed her into the pavement repeatedly. “Ow! Ow! Ow!” She began to laugh into the air still slamming Trixie onto the pavement. “Is this it? Common foal do something! Prove her wrong!” Trixie’s horn glowed and she pushed the black Trixie back with with a blast of flames. The fire set the black Trixie’s cape and hat on fire. “Damn you!” She yelled tearing off the ruined garments. *cough* *cough* “Trixie may have some internal damage.” Trixie wheezed “Have you figured it out yet you useless failure!?” “You are not Trixie!” Trixie yelled from the pony shaped hole in the pavement. “Trixie would never say things like this to Trixie.” She said weakly climbing out of her hole to face the now naked black Trixie before her. “Oh but I am and I would. Also if I am Trixie what does that make you?” “ I… I… I… am…” “Weak?” “…” Trixie answered with silence “Just as I thought you are weak, pathetic, and useless! Just like mom said.” “She was wrong! I am not useless I am not weak!” “Poor little Trixie. Trying to justify your meaningless existence with stage shows and baseless boasts.” “Shut up you don’t know anything!” “Oh but I know everything!” The black Trixie began to hit Trixie repeatedly with her hooves and magic. She seemed to get joy out of every little bit of pain she could cause Trixie. She never stopped taunting her throughout the beating. “So weak” She sneered at the broken pony on the ground. Trixie began to laugh weakly on the ground. It started out small but eventually grew into an all-out cackle “What is so funny?!” The dark Trixie asked? “Hehe If I am as weak as you claim I am then that makes you weak as well!” “What?” “You heard me. You claim Trixie is useless that Trixie is weak. Well you are Trixie! You are weak! You are useless!” “How dare you!” The dark Trixie's horn began to glow “I will show you who’s weak!” “Who are you trying to fool?” Trixie whispered as she charged up a spell. Dark Trixie lifted Trixie off the ground “Shut up!” she snarled. Trixie closed her eyes and floated in the air acceptingly as her horn began to glow bright blinding white. “You will never be able to fool yourself.” She unleashed a maelstrom of flames completely swallowing dark Trixie and all of the town square in fire. The fire began to spread completely incinerating the entirety of New Village. Trixie stood alone in the white abyss of the dreamscape panting for breath. She looked around in all directions seeing nothing. She collapsed on the ground mentally and physically exhausted. “I have to admit I’m surprised.” She wasn’t frightened by the voice that called out from behind her she was to spent. Trixie lifted her head and looked behind her to see who it was. She was surprised by the appearance of this new pony. “A bar colt?” she asked raising an eyebrow. “I was just expecting you to run around New Village until dawn dodging the endermen but you gave me a much more entertaining show!” Lance said excitedly. “Who are you?” “Oh come on Trix we met earlier!” “The demon?” She asked surprised. “You can call me Lance Trix” Lance said walking up to face the exhausted Trixie. “Okay Lance why did you do this to me?” Trixie asked the pony standing over her. “To be honest I didn’t do most of it.” “What?” “Like I said my plan was to watch you run for your life until dawn but you just had to drag your personal demons into this.” “What?” “You put that cart there Trix. That Evil Trixie was all your doing. Your nightmare!” “Wait …what?” “I could of stopped it at any time though but I wanted to see how your little journey of self-discovery would pan out.” Lance explained. “…What do you want from me?” Trixy asked looking at the ground beneath her hooves. “What are you willing to give?” Lance asked. “I have nothing left.” Trixie whispered. “Oh you have something I could use that’s for sure.” Lance said looking Trixie up and down. “You pig!” Trixie yelled Lance facehoofed “…Why can’t you ponies keep your fucking minds out of the gutter?! I don’t want that you foal!” “O-oh …Sorry” Trixie apologized weakly. “No matter don’t dwell on it. You could be of use Trixie. For threatening the bearer of the element of magic you have a term of one year to serve.” Lance stated. “You’re going to turn me in to the guard?” Trixie asked looking up at him again. “Oh god no! Trixie I already told you I’m not with the guard. Hell I’m not even with the empire. I am Myrvang the Nightmare King and ruler of the Dreamlands.” “You’re a …king?” Trixie asked cocking her head. “Well …yea sort of. Not by blood or anything but that’s not important. What is important is your sentence.” “My sentence?” She asked cocking her head in the other direction. “What are you a parrot? Yes your sentence Trixie is one year in service.” “What do you mean by service?” “I can’t be in the Dreamscape all the time Trix. That’s where you come in, you will be my secretary!” “The Great and Powerful Trixie is noponies secretary!” She said hitting her hoof against the ground. "That’s true Trix! Good thing that ponies dead.” Lance said darkly. “W-w-what? Are you going to kill Trixie?” Trixie asked shakily Lance leaned down to whisper into Trixie's ear. “I already did.” “Well that went well!” Lance was sitting down next to the remains of Trixie’s destroyed cart in his human form next to a unmoving Trixie. It was much later in the night now and the moon was high in the sky. “This is the first time I have been up close to a pony as a human since I got here. Damn Trixie can’t be over three feet tall! Are all ponies this small? …huh” Lance started to pat the unmoving Trixie on her head. “Now I have to get you home …but how?” Lance snapped his fingers “Oh yea!” Red Skies had just finished with helping Molly close down for the night and had just retired to his room. Red’s room was as basic as it could be. He had no need for the little pleasures other ponies did. He had spent most of his adult life wandering the country with nothing more than a sleeping bag and a bottle of vodka. Ever since Lance came into his life he has had friends and a roof over his head. Of course Lance was a little weird and scary at times, but he was a friend he had learned to count on. His line of thought about his recent gains was interrupted by a something that always enters his head this time of day. “I need to pee!” He was glad he had his own bathroom the added privacy was a blessing he had never had before in his life. ...Poor Skies never was one to catch a break. “Hey Skies!” He heard Lance yell seemingly right behind him. “Bylad!!! …Lance?“ “Sup buddy you’re not busy are you” “I was in the bathroom …It’s not pretty… How are you even in my head in the first place?!” “Don’t you remember four days ago?” (4 Days ago) Lance was sitting behind the bar bored out of his mind. It was Tuesday and nopony had showed up. “Fucking Tuesdays what the hell am I supposed to do now?” Lance grumbled to himself. Just then he heard the sound of something frying. Ponies never cooked meat but they still found a way to fry all sorts of vegetables and even hay. Lance never questioned it because he didn’t eat those things. But as he was thinking of Red Skies cooking in the kitchen he got an idea. “It’s time to use that new trick Nighty talked about.” Lance called out through the window that led to the kitchen. “Hey Red Skies come over here.” Red skies came out from the kitchen and walked behind the bar “What is it comrade?” he asked. Lance raised his hoof and put it against his forehead putting a little of his will behind it. “Boop!” Lance yelled excitedly Lance felt one of the weirdest sensations he had ever felt in his life. It felt like he was putting his fingers into a steak only without fingers and the steak is a skull. He was putting black into Red Skies mind. “Ahh!” Skies fell to the ground holding his head. Oh yea that had to hurt. “Haha!” Lance pointed at him and laughed. (Now) “That hurt you jerk!” Red Skies called yelled. “Oh calm down you big baby. I need your help my friend. Bring molly’s cart and a tarp to where you found the remains of Trixie’s cart.” “Why should I?” “For the love of …it could be because you’re my friend or maybe because I pay your salary Skies. “…” “Oh and I keep you in vodka.” “…I’ll be there in ten minutes.” “I thought so.” “Glad you could make it my friend Trixie is in a coma and we need to take her back to the pub.” “Should we not take her to a hospital comrade?” “No this coma is my doing a hospital can’t fix her.” Red Skies set the cart down next to the sleeping pony and laid the tarp down on the bead so that they could conceal her. When he went to go pick her up he was surprised by what he saw. “By Celestia’s mane Lance what did you do this time?! She’s dead!” Red skies yelled to Lance “She’s not dead Skies. She’s just… sleeping.” “But she is not breathing.” “Well if you want to get technical then yes legally speaking she is dead! However she will not remain in this state her vessel is preserved. In the form she is in now she is almost immortal however she is confined to the Dream Lands.” “…She is in a coma.” Skies deadpanned “Exactly no weird black magic here just a comatose washed up show pony.” “Eto piz`dets.” He muttered loading Trixie into the cart. “That’s the spirit!” Sorry about the delay but I had allot of distractions! Also it's my birthday today so your lucky I updated at all! Not really I love you guys! *Hugs!* Cover art was gift from my friend Zany Brony