As she saw the smug grin on Trixie’s face, Twilight began to evaluate the situation.
‘I need to get past her Field Spell,’ Twilight thought as she drew her card. ‘And this should do it.
Trixie’s arched an eyebrow when she saw Twilight look at her with a cocky grin.
‘What she up to?’ Trixie pondered.
“Now I activate the Spell card ‘Dark Magic Attack’!” Twilight declared.
Dark Magic Attack
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: If you control “Dark Magician”: Destroy all Spells and Traps your opponent controls.
“And thanks to this card my Dark Magician can destroy all of your spells and traps.”
The sorcerer lifted his rod to prepare to launch a powerful shockwave.
“Not this time, Sparkle! I active my own ‘Magic Jammer’!” Trixie countered as she revealed one of her facedown cards.
Twilight’s mage then returned to its earlier position.
"Then I’ll activate Dust Tornado to destroy your Field Spell instead,” Twilight countered.
Dust Tornado
ATT: TRAP
Type: Trap Card
Card Text: Target 1 Spell/Trap card your opponent controls. Destroy that target, then you can Set 1 Spell/Trap card from your hand.
A powerful gust of wind swirled around Trixie’s side of the field. In an instant, the spectral realm they were in shattered and the playing field returned to its normal status.
“And thanks to its other effect I can set my own Trap card," she spoke as she set down a card from her hand.
Trixie growled at her.
“Err...you’ll pay for that!”
"Well, I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. Now, I activate ‘Black Magic Ritual’.”
Black Magic Ritual
ATT: SPELL
Type: Ritual Spell Card
Card Text: This card is used to Ritual Summon ‘Magician of Black Chaos’. You must also Tribute monster from your hand or field whose total Levels equal 8 or more.
“I then sacrifice my two Dark Magicians,” she stated.
A seal appeared on the ground between the two magicians. From the seal, two winged chalices appeared behind each magician. A purple mist surrounded the magicians. This caused the Magic Formula book to be destroyed.
“And because my Magic Formula was destroyed I get 1000 LP,” explained Twilight.
A light purple aura shrouds her body as Twilight Life Points are increased to 3200. The magicians conformed in mist and flew into the seal. At that moment a beam of green light shot up from the center of it.
“The powers of light and darkness become intertwined, and magic forms them into one being. The magic of chaos is released. I summon ‘Magician of Black Chaos’.”
Magician of Black Chaos
ATT: DARK
Level: 8 stars
Type: Spellcaster/Ritual
ATK/DEF: 2800/2600
A figure stepped out of the light. This humanoid male sorcerer had long black hair and wore gothic style clothing. He wore a headpiece with horns that pointed down, and a crystal in the middle.
“Now I’ll activate my own Field Spell.”
“Wait, a Field Spell?” questioned Trixie.
“That’s right, Trixie. I activate the Field Spell ‘Magical Fort of the Enlightened’.”
Magical Fort of the Enlightened
ATT: SPELL
Type: Field Spell Card
Card Text: Increase the ATK and DEF of Spellcaster monsters by 500. On the turn, this card is activated, place a ‘Fort Counter’ on this card for every Spellcaster on the field. Whenever a Spellcaster is summoned add 1 ‘Fort Counter’ to this card. Once per turn, by removing a ‘Fort Counter’ you can target 1 card on your opponent’s side of the field and destroy that card.
At that moment, a large stone fortress appeared behind Twilight. It was an archaic structure with ancient runes grafted along its walls. In the middle of the base stood a large tower which held a large prism at the top of it.
“And thanks to this card my Chaos Magician gets an Attack boost of 500,” said Twilight.
A green aura shrouds him as his ATK was increased to 3300.
"Then I'll use the second effect of my Field Spell. Since there is a Spellcaster on my Field, a Fort Token is placed on my Field Spell,” Twilight explained.
A small orb hovered around the prism.
“But now I remove it to destroy your Trixtan.”
As the counter disappeared, a powerful beam struck Trixtan and he was destroyed.
“Why you!” Trixie seethed.
Trixie felt her mistress call to her.
‘Calm down my pet. You still have this duel in hand,’ Chrysalis noted. ‘Just keep your composure and you’ll win this duel.’
Trixie breathed a sigh of relief that her mistress still had faith in her. She turned her attention back to Twilight.
“Quite an impressive move, Sparkle,” Trixie stated in a calm voice.
"Save it, Trixie. I could tell somethings been off about you from the start. You haven’t tried to make a huge spectacle out of any of this duel,” Twilight deduced. “Being a magician, you would take advantage of this grand stage to flaunt your prowess. Too bad for you I'm ending this duel now. First, I activated the effect of my ‘Card Mage’.
Card Mage
ATT: DARK
Level: 3 stars
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
You can discard this card from your hand to Special Summon level 5 or higher Spellcaster from your hand. While this card is in the Graveyard if your opponent activates a Spell or Trap, by banishing this card from your graveyard, negate the activation of that card and destroy it.
ATK/DEF: 0000/0000
“By discarding it from my hand, I can Special Summon another favorite of mine. Come on out Dark Magician Girl!”
Dark Magician Girl
ATT: DARK
Level: 6 stars
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
Card Text: This card gains 300 ATK for every ‘Dark Magician’ or ‘Magician of Black Chaos in either player’s Graveyard.
ATK/DEF: 2000/1700
A seal appeared next to Magician of Black Chaos and a figure jumped through it. It was a female with long blonde hair. She wore a blue and pink dress like a robe, and a hat that looked like Dark Magician's. She held a staff with a twisted knot on the top. Another orb appeared and hovered around the tower.
“And thanks to the two Dark Magicians in my Graveyard and my Field Spell her ATK is raised to 3100.”
The maiden magician is shrouded in a light blue and green and her ATK is increased to 3100.
“And since neither of your monsters can be destroyed by battle, both my magicians can attack one. So combine your powers and attack that Eagle of hers!”
The two magicians charged up a magical blast and combined their energy. A giant sphere of energy was sent flying towards the ethereal eagle.
“This duel is over.”
“Is that so~,” Trixie smugly grinned.
Before the blast could reach her bird, an ethereal shield appeared and blocked the attack.
“What?! How!? You have no facedown cards on the field,” spoke Twilight incredulously.
“True, but I do have a certain monster in my Graveyard. Remember that facedown monster I sacrificed?”
“Oh no…”
“That’s right you triggered the effect of my ‘Astral Guardian - Scutum, the Impervious Shield’.”
Astral Guardian - Scutum, the Impervious Shield
ATT: LIGHT
Level: 2 stars
Type: Illusion-Warrior/Effect
Card Text: This card cannot be destroyed by battle, but if targeted by your opponent’s Spell or Trap card destroy this card. When this card is in the Graveyard, you can activate its effect. When an Illusion-Type monster is the target of an attack, you can banish this card to negate the attack and end the Battle Phase.
ATK/DEF: 0200/2500
“And by banishing him, I can negate your attack and end your Battle Phase,” Trixie smirked.
‘She thought that far ahead,’ Twilight growled. “I place one card facedown and end my turn.”
Meanwhile, deep in the heart of the Abyss, Ehm watches the current duel play out.
“Hmm, my commanders sure know how to pick skilled duelist,” Ehm spoke.
As she continued to watch, once again found her gaze toward Star. Her eyes narrow as she recalled the numerous times he’s evaded capture.
‘How could one stallion cause stallion cause me such grief,’ she groaned.
Once again, she felt a strange sensation in her chest. She couldn’t describe what she felt. It was as if just the sight of him brought forth both joy and sadness. She quickly shook away the feeling and returned her focus to the duel at hand.
‘Why…Why am I feeling this now?’ she pondered as she glared at the ochre pegasus. ‘Just who are you?!’
While in thought, she felt Chrysalis trying to contact her.
“Yes, Chrysalis?”
‘Greetings, my empress. I’m happy to report that everything is going to my plan,’ Chrysalis calmly spoke.
“I can see that. Your latest addition is proving to be quite useful,” Ehm complimented.
‘Yes, though she’s only a pawn in my greater plan,’ Chrysalis replied.
“Greater plan?”
‘Yes, my empress. You see I’m merely using this current mare to study Princess Twilight’s strategies and dueling habits. Whether she wins or loses, I will still have what I need to eventually capture her.’
Ehm was impressed with her commander’s forward thinking.
“My, you are quite the cunning mare, aren’t you Chrysalis?” Ehm spoke with endearment.
‘I thank you for your praise, my empress. ’
“Continue to keep me informed of your progress.”
‘Yes, my empress.”
She felt Chrysalis connection dispel. She returned her gaze to duel and smugly grinned.
‘Soon…’
Back on the field, Trixie proceeded with her turn as she saw the flustered Twilight.
“No need to get huffy, Sparkle,” she teased as she drew her card. “First, I play the Spell card ‘Illusion Extract’.”
Illusion Extract
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: Draw 1 card. If there’s ‘Astral’ Monster(s) on your side of the field, draw an additional card for each Illusion-type Monster(s).
“Since I have 2 illusion monster I can draw three cards,” she spoke as she drew her cards. “Next, I summon ‘Astral Beast - Columba, the Peaceful Dove’.”
Astral Beast - Columba, the Peaceful Dove
ATT: LIGHT
Level: 4 stars
Type: Illusion-Winged Beast/Effect
Card Text: This card cannot be destroyed by battle, but if targeted by your opponent’s Spell or Trap card destroy this card. Once per turn, you can gain 300 for each Illusion-type minster on the field. Monsters on your opponent's side of the field with ATK of 2000 or higher cannot attack.
ATK/DEF: 1700/1700
The ethereal energies swirl about the field and culminate into the form of an aural dove which lands on Trixie’s field.
“And thanks to my birdie, with 2000 or higher Attack Points can’t attack,” stated Trixie. “Which means your two magicians are useless.”
“But your monster doesn't have the power to win this duel,” countered Twilight.
“Not yet anyway~,” chuckled Trixie. “Next, I activate the effect of my ‘Beckoning of the Astral’. By giving up 500 Life Point I'll special summon Astral Beast - Draco, the Fierce Dragon.”
Trixie’s Life Points decreased to 2200.
Astral Beast - Draco, the Fierce Dragon
ATT: FIRE
Level: 4 stars
Type: Illusion-Dragon/Effect
Card Text: This card cannot be destroyed by battle, but if targeted by your opponent’s Spell or Trap card destroy this card. When this card destroys a monster in battle, increase this card's ATK by 500.
ATK/DEF: 1800/1500
An ethereal flame washes over the field and swirled to a single point. The flames then meld into a towering wraith-like spectral dragon appeared on the field.
“And now the stage is set,” grinned Trixie.
“Not so fast Trixie. I activate ‘Bottomless Trap Hole’,” Twilight countered.
Bottomless Trap
ATT: TRAP
Type: Trap Card
Card Text: When your opponent Summons a monster(s) with 1500 or more ATK; Destroy that monster(s) with 1500 or more ATK, and if you do, banish it.
A large hole appeared underneath the beast, to which it fell in and faded away.
“And with this, your monster is not only destroyed but is banished as well.”
“Err...that’s fine. Because now I build the overlay network! And overlay Canis Minor, Aquila, and Columbus to Xyz Summon the Astral Beast – The Great Phoenix!”
Astral Beast – The Great Phoenix
ATT: FIRE
Rank: 4 stars
Type: Illusion-Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect
Material Monsters: 3 level 4 ‘Astral’ Monsters
Card Text: This card cannot be destroyed by battle, but if targeted by your opponent’s Spell or Trap card destroy this card. Once per turn, by removing 3 Xyz Material from this card, you can Special Summon any number of monsters from your Graveyard or have been banished (not exceeding the available Monster Zones). On the turn this card is removed from the field, you can Special Summon this card to your side of the field, and select 3 ‘Astral Beast’ from your Graveyard and attach them to this card as Xyz Materials.
ATK/DEF: 2900/2400
As the three beasts fly up into the vortex, as the converged to one being a ball of fire descended to the field. Before it impacted the ground, the fireball formed into a large astral phoenix.
“And I activate its special effect. By removing its three overlay units, I can bring back as many Illusion-type monsters from my graveyard or that's been banished.
‘I’ve got nothing to counter with,’ thought Twilight.
“So I’ll bring back Canis, Draco, Aquila, and Columba.”
The four astral beasts return to the field.
‘Now she has a full field, but none of her monsters can destroy mine,’ Twilight deduced.
“Now’s the time for the coup de grâce. I build the overlay network again. And overlay my four beasts. To Xyz summon one of my most powerful monsters ‘Astral Princess - Andromeda the Chained Maiden’.”
Astral Princess - Andromeda the Chained Maiden
ATT: DARK
Rank: 4 stars
Type: Illusion-Fairy/Xyz/Effect
Material Monsters: 4 level 4 ‘Astral’ Monsters
Card Text: This card cannot be destroyed by battle, but if targeted by your opponent’s Spell or Trap card destroy this card. Once per turn, if this card is the target by an effect, depending on the card type apply the following effect:
• Monster: You can remove 2 Xyz Material from this card to negate the activation of the Effect Monster and destroy it. The destroyed monster is then added to this card as a Xyz Material (this is a Quick Effect).
• Spell: You can remove 2 Xyz Material from this card to negate the activation of the Spell card, and inflict 500 damage to your opponent’s Life Points (this is a Quick Effect).
• Trap: You can remove 2 Xyz Material from this card to negate the activation of the Trap card, and your opponent banish 2 cards from their hand, Field, or Deck (this is a Quick Effect).
You can only activate one effect per turn.
ATK/DEF: 3000/2500
The four beasts then ascend to the sky and enter the vortex. From within the vortex, a young humanoid woman descended to field. Clothed in a flowing white dress with a golden waistband her gentle eyes radiated a calm aura. Her curled hair draped along the edge of her face as the chains surrounded her body and bound her neck and wrists.
“What kind of monster is that?”
“Oh don’t worry yourself about it,” smiled Trixie. “I set two cards facedown.
On the sidelines, the group were in awe of how evenly matched the duel was.
“Okay, I was not expecting this duel to be as competitive as it has been,” honestly spoke Star.
“No kiddin’. When did Trixie become this good,” Applejack commented.
“Just goes to show you that on the big stage anypony can shine,” chimed in Pinkie Pie.
Fluttershy was about to add something but noticed Phantom Heart was staring at the crowd. In the crowd, Chrysalis happily looked on at her pawn’s duel.
‘Yes, excellent my pet. Drive her to her limit’ she grinned.
She quickly noticed that Phantom staring at her.
‘Hmm? What’s with that marey?’
As she saw Phantom's gaze was solely focused on her, Chrysalis felt as though she was examining her.
‘Why’s she staring at me[?’
Chrysalis saw Fluttershy walk over to the strange mare.
“Phantom, is something wrong?” Fluttershy asked.
“That mare…” she replied. “Her aura is strange…”
“Mare?”
Phantom pointed to a disguised Chrysalis.
“She has the same aura around her as that Trixie mare does,” she explained.
“The same aura? Is that not normal?” asked Fluttershy.
“Not really, and it seems dark and ominous.”
‘Can she see through my disguise?!’ Chrysalis panicked.
Chrysalis knew if she was found out her plans would be hindered and tugged at her cap as turned to faded into the crowd as she made her escape.
“I draw,” spoke Twilight as began to evaluate the current situation. ‘She has been able to counter every single one of my moves. I just need to get past her monsters’ effects .’
She scanned her cards and came up with a plan.
‘It’s risky, but it just might do the trick,’ she reasoned before turning her attention to Trixie. “I'll use the effect of my Field Spell and destroy your Andromeda!”
The orb floating around the tower disappeared and a powerful beam fired at the opposing maiden.
“I’ll use my Andromeda’s effect. By removing two overlay units, I can negate your field spell effect. Then you lose 500 Life Points.”
As two of the orbs that orbited Andromeda disappeared and dispelled the beam.
“That’s just what I needed you to do.”
“Hmm?”
“I activate Diffusion Wave Burst!” Twilight proclaimed.
Diffusion Wave Burst
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: You can only activate that card if you have a face-up level 6 or lower Spellcaster on the field. Destroy all of your opponent’s monsters. You cannot declare an attack on the turn this card is activated.
“Since I have my Dark Magician Girl on the field, I can destroy every monster on your side of the field!”
The maiden magician raised her staff and began to form a large pulsing aura sphere.
“Say goodbye to you monsters, Trixie.”
“Nice try, but I activate the trap card ‘Nothing Up My Sleeve’,” Trixie spoke as she motioned to her facedown card.
Nothing Up My Sleeve
ATT: TRAP
Type: Counter Trap Card
Card Text: On the turn, your opponent activates a Spell or Trap card, negate the activation and destroy that card. You can select 1 Spell or Trap card from your Deck and add it to your hand.
“Thanks to this card I can negate your card's activation, and I can select a Spell or Trap to add to my hand,” declared Trixie.
The aura sphere then shattered and dispelled. Trixie looked through her deck to retrieve her key Spell card.
“And I'll choose this one.”
She placed the card in her hand and shuffled her deck. Twilight gave her a subtle smirk.
‘Good, Ok. Going according to plan,’ Twilight noted. “Not quite! Both my Magicians will attack your ‘Great Phoenix’.”
The dual magician twin a twin blast at the large ethereal bird.
“And even though your monster’s effect keeps it from being destroyed. You still lose 600 Life Points.”
As the beast was hit by the attacks, a small shockwave struck Trixie and her Life Points dropped to 1600.
“Is that it?” Trixie asked.
"I end my turn with playing this card facedown.”
“Time for me to wrap this up for my mistress!” Trixie stated as she drew her card.
“Mistress?!” spoke a confused Twilight.
“Did she just say ‘mistress’?” Star spoke.
Trixie ignored their reactions and proceeded with their turn.
“It’s time for you to face my ultimate monster!
Twilight took a deep breath and calmed her nerves.
“Let’s see this ultimate beast,” Twilight replied.
“I activate the Spell card I drew ‘Rank Up Magic – Illusion Force’!”
Rank Up Magic – Illusion Force
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: Target 1 face-up Xyz Monster you control; Xyz Summon from your Extra Deck, 1 Xyz Monster that is 1 Rank higher than that monster you control, by using it as the Xyz Material. (Xyz Materials attached to that target also become Xyz Materials on the Summoned monster). The Xyz monster that is Xyz summoned by this card is unaffected by your opponent’s card effect until the End Phase of this turn. Cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this card’s activation.
"With this card, I can summon my ultimate beast! Come forth Astral Queen - Andromeda the Unbound,” Trixie declared.
Astral Queen - Andromeda the Unbound
ATT: DARK
Rank: 5 stars
Type: Illusion-Fairy/Xyz/Effect
Material Monsters: 3 level 5 monsters
Card Text: This card cannot be destroyed by battle, but if targeted by your opponent’s Spell or Trap card destroy this card. If this card has ‘Astral Princess – Andromeda the Chained Maiden” as a Xyz Material, it gains the following effect: If this card is the target by an effect, depending on the card type apply the following effect:
• Monster: You can remove 1 Xyz Material from this card to negate the activation of the Effect Monster and destroy it. The destroyed monster is then added to this card as a Xyz Material (this is a Quick Effect). While the monster is attached as an Xyz material, this card gains ATK equal to the monster’s original ATK.
• Spell: You can remove 1 Xyz Material from this card to negate the activation of the Spell card and destroy it. Inflict 1000 damage to your opponent’s Life Points (this is a Quick Effect).
• Trap: You can remove 1 Xyz Material from this card to negate the activation of the Trap card, and your opponent banish 4 cards from either their hand, Field, or Deck (this is a Quick Effect).
You can only activate one effect per turn.
ATK/DEF: 3500/3000
The young maiden then vanished and a dark fog suddenly appeared. The sounds of chains breaking filled the area. With an instant, the discarded chains and were tossed out from within the fog. As it cleared, the young maiden had been replaced with a taller, much slender and robust woman. Her once flowing dress is now tattered and her eyes once filled with a calm aura is now become sharp and filled anger. The crowd erupted while Twilight was in awe of the monster before her. She could sense its immense power.
“Ok, that is a real monster,” Twilight spoke in awe.
“Quite a marvel is she not?” Trixie boasted.
“More like a true beast,” Twilight commented.
“Now my queen. Destroy her Dark Magician Girl with Chain of Malice!” ordered Trixie.
The unbound maiden swung around the chains on her wrists and prepared to attack*
"I activate Arcana Shield."
Arcana Shield
ATT: TRAP
Type: Trap Card
Card Text: When one of your Spellcaster-type monsters is declared a target of an attack, you can Special Summon 1 level 5 or higher Spellcaster from your Graveyard in Defense Position. Switch the target to the summoned monster.
“And what is that?
"A very special card of mine,” Twilight began. “Thanks to this card I can bring back my ‘Dark Magician’ in Defense Mode and your attack gets switched to him instead.
A portal opens and the Dark Magician returned to the field in a kneeling position.
“Cute, but did you forget my monster has a special effect?” Trixie snickered.
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, by removing one overlay unit I can negate the activation of your Trap card, and then you have to choose to either banish four cards from either your Hand, Deck or Graveyard.
“Fine, I choose to banish four random cards from my deck,” Twilight calmly spoke as she searched her Deck and removed the four cards from play.
“And with that, my attack will still happen!”
She launched her chain at the defending maiden. The moment that the chains struck, the maiden magician was destroyed and Twilight Life Points decreased to 1800.
“That will end my turn,” spoke Trixie. “It’s your last turn as champion Sparkle, better make it count~.”
Twilight growled as she knew the situation didn’t look good for her. With her plan not proceeding as well as she hoped, all she could do is hope for a miracle.
‘This looks bad, but I know my deck won’t let me down,’ Twilight spoke with resolve.
She drew her card, but when she looked at it she smiled.
‘Just what I needed!’ she beamed. “Now, my magician will attack her phoenix once more.”
On his master orders, the gothic magician fired another aura blast at the astral avian. When it’s hit another shockwave hits Trixie and her Life Points were reduced to 1200.
“I’ll finish my turn by setting a card facedown,” she concluded.
“Hmm, a very anti-climactic way to end your reign, but oh well,” Trixie gloated as drew her card. “First, my maiden will first destroy your magician and then my phoenix will finish you off!”
Twilight remained silent as she maintained a stoic visage.
“Speechless I see. Understandable, no one likes to see their reign come to an end. Now Andromeda, destroy her sorcerer!” ordered Trixie.
She launched her chain at the defending monster.
“Not this time, Trixie! I activate the card ‘Shadow Spell’!”
Shadow Spell
ATT: TRAP
Type: Continuous Trap Card
Card Text: Activate this card by targeting 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; it loses 700 ATK, also it cannot attack or change its battle position. When it leaves the field, destroy this card.
“Thanks to this card your monster will be bound and lose 700 Attack Points,” stated Twilight.
Dark violet chain emerged from the ground in front of her Chaos Magician head toward the attacking maiden.
“You must have a short memory Sparkle,” laughed Trixie. “I remove another overlay unit to negate your Trap card.”
Another orb fired and destroy her trap.
"That's your last mistake. I activate another Trap Card Magic Cylinder!”
Magic Cylinder
ATT: TRAP
Type: Trap Card
Card Text: When an opponent's monster declares an attack: Target the attacking monster; negate the attack, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to its ATK.
“With this, your attack will be returned and End the duel,” Twilight spoke.
“True. But you forgot I have a facedown. I play ‘Redirection’.”
Redirection
ATT: SPELL
Type: Quick-Play Spell Card
Card Text: This card can only be activated when your opponent activates “Magic Cylinder.” Negate its activation and destroy that card. Change the Direct Damage to your opponent’s Life Points.
“With this card, its send back your Life Points. This duel is over!” declared Trixie.
"That’s true. But for you, not me! I activate the second ability of my ‘Card Mage’,” defied Twilight.
“Second effect?”
“Yes, by banishing my mage from my Graveyard, I can negate you Spell card.”
“No, this not how it’s supposed to be! I was supposed to win for my mistress!” Trixie cried.
“Well, your Mistress will never have a win.”
The chains were trapped by one of the tubes, and energy was charged in the other. It was shot out with the greatest force imaginable and struck Trixie.
“No!”
As she fell to her knees her Life point dropped to zero. As the crowd cheered from the spectacular match, Twilight walked over to her defeated foe.
“It’s over Trixie. You and your mistress have lost,” Twilight said in triumph.
Before she could say her rebuttal, Trixie felt Chrysalis contact her through telepathy.
‘You did well my pet[/I,]’ she praised.
‘But mistress, I failed you,’ Trixie lamented.
‘True, but even in your failure you were able to help your mistress.’
‘I-I did?’
‘Yes, thanks to your efforts I now have a good idea of Twilight play style and can come up with a strategy to defeat her.’
'I'm glad I was able to help you mistr-,' stated Trixie.
‘However...’ Chrysalis interrupted. ‘I did say failure did have consequences.’
‘Wait! Mistress, please forgive me!’ Trixie pleaded.
‘Sorry, but I have no further use for you,’ Chrysalis coldly spoke.
Before she could beg further, Trixie felt her body being engulfed in a subtle dark aura. Trixie’s eyes began to roll back as she felt her very soul being drained
“Trixie!” Twilight called out as she ran to her.
But by the time she reached her, the aura faded from Trixie and she fell to the floor.
“Trixie!” the others cried out.
As Twilight turned her over, she saw that her eyes were devoid of life.
‘What in the world just happened to her?!’ questioned Twilight.
When the others reached them, Pegasus quickly tried the diffuse the situation to the crowd.
“Don’t panic everypony,” he began. “It seems our duelist has suffered from fatigue. I guess going up against our reigning champion was too much for her.”
Before Twilight could say anything, Pegasus had called the medical staff to come to the field. They quickly got her onto a stretcher and carried her off the field.
“Rest assured that she’ll get the best medical treatment,” smiled Pegasus to the crowd. “For now, that concludes the preliminaries for the finals. Tomorrow we will find out the bracket for the quarterfinals. So until then enjoy the festivities.”
He quickly vacated the stage and followed after the stretcher. As she headed to the sidelines, Twilight couldn’t help but feel something was amiss.
“That was a lie,” Twilight spoke. “There’s no way that was fatigue.”
Star met her as she descended down the steps.
“What happened out there Twilight?” he asked.
“I don’t really know, Star. After I beat her, Trixie started acting strangely and then suddenly collapse,” she explained.
“But didn’t Pegasus say that it was just a bout of fatigue?” questioned Pinkie Pie.
“I would normally agree with that, but something was off,” replied Twilight.
“Different how?” asked Applejack.
“Well, when I looked into her eyes...they were void of life. Like she was nothing but a hollow shell.”
‘A hollow shell?! Just like Amethyst,' thought Star.
‘Could it be the same thing that happened to Bolt happened to Trixie?’ Applejack pondered.
They both looked at each other then to the group.
“Guys, we have something to tell you…” spoke Star and Applejack