//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Kamen Rider Lux: Sins of the Parent // by Rixizu //------------------------------// “Ugh.” Dinky groaned, her head throbbing something fierce. The bright light bulb flickering above her didn’t help, either. After blinking past her confusion, she took stock of her situation.  Mildew predominated the air mixing with other scents she didn’t want to consider. The walls were brick, old and chipped, moss growing between their cracks. The floor was hard cement, freezing cold against her fur. A bland-looking table and a single chair stood in the bare room’s center. A metal cage stood around her, its bars thin but strong. Try as she might, the cage door proved impossible to budge. A heavy-duty lock guarded it.  How the hay did I get here? She vaguely recalled speaking to somepony, but otherwise was drawing a blank. Something fuzzy rubbed against a hoof. Dinky screamed as a rat fled past, heading towards a hole in a far wall.  “Gross, so gross!” A shudder of revulsion reverberated throughout her body. Dinky sat on the cold floor, trying to make sense of her circumstances. Memories returned in fragments, remembering the acrid smell of the cloth pressed against her mouth. By Shocker, she’d been foalnapped! Panic filled her, realizing what deep trouble she was in. Her momma had often told her to avoid strangers, and Dinky was paying the consequences of ignoring that advice. What would happen now? Would they hurt her? Worse? Her stomach rumbled, adding to her distress. What if they just left her here, letting her die of starvation? I need to get out of here! Dinky screamed at the top of her lungs, hoping to draw somepony’s attention. She howled until her voice went raw, yet nopony came. Defeated, Dinky curled into a ball and cried herself to sleep.  “Hey.” “Wha?” Dinky blinked, blurry-eyed. She fought against sleep as somepony pushed her awake. All tiredness left her, recognizing the pony standing before her cage. She fled towards the cage’s edge, heart thumping so hard she feared it would break out of her chest.  “Good, you’re finally awake.” The cyan-colored mare said, the unicorn’s bizarre wings on full display.  “Who are you?! Why are you here?! I want my momma!” A million questions demanded attention, Dinky’s rasping voice asking each one that came to mind.  Instead of answering, the older mare crossed her front legs. “Noisy one, aren’t you? Thank goodness this is only a temporary arrangement.”  “Who are you?!” Dinky asked, glaring. The older mare seemed familiar somehow, but Dinky couldn’t place why. “Me?” With a flourish, the mare spun around and smirked. “You can call me Trixie Lulamoon, the greatest hero Equestria has ever known!” “What?” Dinky blinked. Was her captor making dramatic poses? She shook her head, getting her wits back. Her captor’s identity returned in a flash. “You’re the Ursa Ranger! The evilest, vile villain in Equestria’s history!” “No, that’s an imposter!” The winged Trixie said, scowling. “I’m the real Trixie! She just stole my name!” “Wha?” Dinky said, lost for words. Another Trixie? Then it clicked. The Ranger Trixie must be from another world. Hadn’t Shocker tried to invade another universe? This must be the native Trixie. And unsurprisingly, she’s still a villain! “Heroes don’t foalnap ponies,” Dinky said, voice even. Her captor could only shrug. “It’s necessary. I need you to lure out some Shocker bigwigs.” “You’re after my momma!” Puzzle pieces were coming into place. After Shocker’s fall, her momma would have undoubtedly gone to the Shocker General Doctor Shinigami for sanctuary. This mare must be after both! “You monster!”  Much to Dinky’s surprise, her capture had flinched under her scathing glare. While only a slight twitch of the eye, Dinky had noticed it.  Trixie hid her discomfort with a haughty expression. “It’s necessary. They’ll pay for what they did to me!” The pure vitriol in the older mare’s voice made Dinky retreat even further against the cage. This mare truly hated Shocker with her entire being. How could that make sense? Shocker were the good guys! She’s probably just crazy or something. Ponies always wrongly talked smack about Shocker, lying to make themselves feel better. Still, it made Dinky curious to hear the mare’s story. She’s probably just overreacting.  Before she could inquire further, her stomach rumbled. Dinky hid her face, blushing.  “Here.” Much to Dinky’s surprise, Trixie dropped a plastic-wrapped sandwich and a water bottle into her cage. Her capture smirked as Dinky gave the older mare a questioning glance.  “You’re my guest. I’d be amiss if I let you starve to death.” Trixie studied the inside of Dinky’s prison. “And something to sleep on. Your mother is well hidden. It’ll take some time to lure her out.” While grateful for the grub, Dinky only responded with an icy glare. She didn’t want this villain to know her true feelings.  “And some games, too. Nothing is worse than being trapped with nothing to do.” Unexpected pain crossed Trixie’s features. She left, promising she’d return soon. According to her, a promising lead had presented itself. Then she’d returned with the promised item.  Alone, Dinky stewed over her current predicament. She played with the lock again, but it proved too tough to pick or break. “Darn it.” Dinky curled up on the cold pavement, listening to the drip of distant water and the scurrying of rats. Despite her best efforts, tears flowed freely. She only wanted her momma. --- “The gull of the stallion!” Fuchsia Blush slurred, leaning against her longtime friend. Her breath stank of cheap booze. Ditzy nodded in understanding, sipping at her own drink. “Doctor Shinigami is just as peeved. Who does Zol think he is, carving out his own fiefdom? His loyalty should only be to Shocker alone!” The only advantage was that Zol’s quest for glory provided a helpful distraction for Equestria’s pathetic provisional government. Princess Twilight Sparkle? What a joke!  Though, Shocker’s condition was little better. Days of drudgery had dampened her excitement at being reunited with Doctor Shinigami. Despite his bold promises, his newest project is stalling. Worse, a majority of the Shocker remnant had abandoned them for Zol. The traitor had gathered an impressive amount of power in such a short period. Rumor said he was planning a campaign against Equestria in the upcoming months, poised to become the planet’s new ruler.  And I’m stuck here, twiddling my hooves and doing errands. Doctor Shinigami had argued against reprisals against the traitor. He’d made a convincing argument of using the former General to weaken Equestria. Their remnant would destroy both after each force had exhausted itself. Then they could deal with Coronal Zol at their leisure. In the meantime, Ditzy’s job was to build, train, and maintain their remaining forces. The discouraged Fuchsia Blush was one such example\. While below Ditzy’s pay grade, it was a necessary duty. Somepony was picking off former Shocker members one by one. They’d assumed it was Lux’s chief spy, Rarity’s, doing. But they’d found little evidence to support that theory. With an unknown killer around, Shocker needed to protect their own.  “It’s messed up, Ditz, messed up!” Fuchsia Blush drooled. “We were kings! Now we’re jokes, fugitives!”  “Not too loud,” Ditzy said, chastising. Not that anyone in the bar would betray them. Everypony here was a Shocker to their bones. Still, some caution never hurt.  “Kings!” Fuchsia Blush bellowed some half-remembered tune, Shocker propaganda, from her foalhood. After singing about a quarter of the song, she passed out. Amused, Ditzy patted her friend’s head.  “Sleep well, Fuchsia Blush. Hopefully, your dreams are better than the nightmare reality we face.” Not that she didn’t believe that Shocker would eventually emerge triumphantly, but it required tireless work and sacrifice. Every day separated from her daughter tormented her like a festering wound, refusing to heal.  Don’t worry, muffin. We’ll be together soon enough. Momma’s gone to make sure your future is bright. That promise made her current situation somewhat tolerable.  “Passed out already?” Blue Skies said, amused. The Shocker Weather Service pony’s expression stiffened a moment later. “Not that I blame her. Her entire family has completely disowned her, even her parents. The poor thing. Shocker’s her only family left now.” “And we know who’s to blame for that!” Ditzy didn’t hide her bitterness. Trixie would pay for her sins, and the inquisitor imagined the fun things she’d inflict on the hateful mare once they emerged victorious. It still astounded her how a single pony could cause such damage.  If Doctor Shinigami’s experiment goes as planned, even Trixie and her Ranger buddies wouldn’t stand a chance. She smiled in amusement as Fuchsia Blush’s snoring overtook even the din of the bar’s conversation.  “Better get to the hideout.” Blue Skies said, leveling the unconscious mare on her back. “Can’t stay much longer, either. I need to transport some supplies in the morning.” “We’ll need those weapons if we’re to return the government to its proper place.” Since starting their resistance moment, they’d stockpiled considerable supplies of weaponry. Of course, the black market prices were exorbitant. Those weapons dealers had them over a barrel, squeezing Shocker for everything they were worth. Unwise, considering that Shocker wouldn’t be very forgiving once this mess concluded in their favor.  After waving Blue Skies goodbye, Ditzy nursed her drink and talked with other Shocker members. She smiled and nodded, listening to various gossips and rumors. It was general nonsense, but one kernel caught her interest.  “I’m telling you, I saw a Kamen Rider!” The drunken Combatpony said. “Not Lux nor Cupido!” “Sober, were you?” Another Combatpony said, dubious. “I haven’t seen you without a drink in over two weeks!” “Don’t matter!” The first argued. “My eyes didn’t lie! She killed Lavender Lace right as day! Haven’t seen a thing like it! She had a horn and wings!” “So it was Commander Cadance?” While the entire story sounded like utter nonsense, Lavender Lace had died a couple of days ago. They needed information, even from a useless drunkard. It might contain a kernel of truth. “No! It was Trixie! Her pale moonlight mane gave her away! Her power was terrible. Poor Lavender didn’t stand a chance!” The drunk Combatpony wailed, and Ditzy winced. She wandered away to save her poor ears.  “Moonlight mane?” At first, Ditzy scoffed at the drunk’s story. But then she paused, an unwelcome thought striking her. They’d never found Ursa Red’s counterpart in their universe. Despite being the head inquisitor of Shocker, her search for their Trixie had arrived at nothing. Ditzy had a nasty suspicion who was to blame.  Only Twilight Velvet would have the skills to erase a pony’s existence from their computer banks. There’d been clues she’d been part of an old project, but those files had also disappeared. Doctor Shinigami had some involvement, but only in an administrative role. It’d been an experiment to infuse a pony with the magic of the other tribes, but it’d ended in a terrible failure. The late scientists involved had some recollection, but years had faded their memories. It’d only been one experiment among hundreds. She’d gotten several conflicting accounts of the test subject’s identity.  Is it possible that Trixie Lulamoon has returned for revenge? Would Shocker’s luck be bad enough to fight against three Trixies? Nevertheless, this matter required investigation. It was Ditzy’s sacred job to protect her precious comrades, and she refused to be derelict in her duty. With the situation as delicate as it was, Shocker couldn’t afford interference from any Trixie Lulamoon, the troublesome cur. An idea struck her, heading toward a nearby payphone.  “Yes?” A voice slurred from sleep said. “Fuchsia Blush? Did you make it home safely?” Ditzy asked. “We need to talk.” While still somewhat drunk, reason prevailed when the mare realized the speaker’s identity. Despite Shocker’s reduced condition, Ditzy was still an inquisitor. Only a fool crossed her lightly. Her serious tone sobered the other caller quickly. “Yes, sir,” Fuchsia Blush said, voice losing any lingering drunkenness. “No problems. I’m over at Blue Skies’s place. Is there something you want, ma’am?” “I do. Do you remember a project about five years ago that involved magical infusement?” After a moment’s thought, Fuchsia Blush responded. “One for enhancing a natural pony’s magic through another tribe’s magic?” Perfect. I thought Fuchsia’s name sounded familiar. While little documentation remained, Ditzy had uncovered some pay stubs. “It was a pet project of Doctor Shinigami, I believe. I worked as a minor technician. It ended in failure. The main test subject died.” If that’s the case, how could Trixie return for vengeance? It was a sticking point. Every story she’d heard about the tests said the subject had died, making it an almost indisputable fact.  “I remember Doctor Twilight Velvet being particularly discouraged by the results. She refused to touch the project after the initial failure, refusing to explain why.” “Sounds like her.” Lux’s mother was notorious for flittering from project to project, regardless of how much trouble it caused. She was a verifiable genius, but her mind operated on logic only she understood.  “Why do you ask? Is this some project Doctor Shinigami wants to resurrect?” “No. Lavender Lace was just killed a couple of days ago. Besides the General and Twilight Velvet, you are the only pony still alive involved with the project.” “Someone’s really after the ponies involved with this project?” Fear struck a chord in Fuchsia Blush’s voice.  “Since I don’t dare risk Doctor Shinigami, you’re required as bait to lure them out.” A smile crept onto Ditzy’s face. “Do you understand?” Despite Fuschia’s growing terror, she remained firm and absolute. She understood the cost of defying her Shocker superiors. “Understood.” If you’d said no, I would have killed you myself. This wouldn’t be the first time she’d dealt with a disloyal subordinate. Besides, too much was at stake. “Here’s the plan.” ---- “You’re back already? That’s quick.” Dinky said, watching as her captor returned through the only doorway. In her hooves were bags filled to the brim. Some contained food, while others contained games as promised.  Truthfully, Dinky had wished for more time for herself. Despite her dire predicament, she still hadn’t given up on escape. Careful examinations revealed a loose brick in the wall. It’d taken some effort, but she’d gotten it to wobble. She’d seen a corridor through the crack. Thanks to Dinky’s small frame, she figured it might be possible to push herself through. Then, getting help should be easy.  “Yeah, I got you some things,” Trixie said, rooting through the bags. She smiled as she fished out a dog bed, its cushions concrete gray like her mother’s. “Here, I got you some blankets, too.” “Trixie, I’m a pony, not an animal,” Dinky said, voice level.  Just because I’m small, it doesn’t make me a pet! “It fits, right?” Trixie said, shrugging. “I’m not an animal!” Dinky’s temper flared, beyond indignant.  “Hey, it’s that or the floor,” Trixie replied, unabashed by Dinky’s fury. Inwardly, Dinky uttered several words that would make her momma wash her mouth with soap if she’d heard them. She remained silent, however, sending a deadly glare toward her captor.  “And here.” Trixie slid across the floor several rectangular boxes of various sizes. Their game pieces rattled as their boxes pushed across the floor. “This should keep you entertained.” “These are two-player games!” Ditzy said after reading the labels.  “You can still play by yourself. Just play both players.”  “How do you play Chain Four as both players?!”  “You’ll figure out something.”  Ditzy wanted to howl in fury. No, calm down. Remember, you’re only a hair’s breadth away from escaping. You only need to stand this annoying mare a little longer! “Fine.” Dinky drew out the word, forcing a smile.  “Tell you what. We’ll play a few games later,” Trixie said.  “Okay,” Dinky said, unsure why an adult would suggest such an action.  “It’ll be some time until I can release you. Your mother is difficult to find.” Ditzy stood straighter, beaming with pride. “My momma’s an Inquisitor. She’ll find you first!” Trixie only snorted and flipped herself into the chair. She closed her eyes and sighed as she relaxed. “It wouldn’t be long now. Once I finish Shocker, the fake princess is next!” “Fake princess? You mean Lux?”  Trixie’s eyes darted open. “That’s right. The Great Leader should have been mine. Besides, she’s the daughter of a monster. The monster that made me like this.” Unexpected venom crept into Ditzy’s captor’s voice, reminding Dinky how dangerous this mare was. Hadn’t Trixie said she’d killed Shocker operatives? No mere weakling could accomplish this.  “Your wings?” Dinky asked, trying to remain calm. Wasn’t the other Trixie a unicorn? “Why should that bother you? I’d kill for the ability to fly!” “You understand nothing,” Trixie said in a huff, closing her eyes. Without any windows, it was difficult to tell the hour. From how tired her captor looked, Dinky figured it was late. After a moment, gentle snoring came from Trixie’s lips.  “Am I meant to sleep now, too?” And why hadn’t Trixie used a bed? Why didn’t she sleep in her own home? Unless she doesn’t have a home. What had happened to Trixie to reduce her to this pathetic state? With little else to occupy her time, she arranged her new bed and blanket so they would be comfortable. While it was humiliating to use a pet bed, it proved snugger than expected, but she still preferred her bed at her momma’s townhouse.  Have they started looking for me yet? Does momma know I’m in trouble? She closed her eyes, but sleep refused to come. Dinky groaned and paced her prison. She’d dared not work on her escape project while her captor was present, sleeping or not.  She imagined in delight Trixie’s expression upon realizing her prisoner had vanished. When he glanced in Trixie’s direction, Dinky screamed.  “What? Impossible!” Trixie was melting! More screams echoed through the small room as Trixie’s body lost all cohesion, seeping through the chair. Blue ooze sloshed against the stone floor, pooling out in every direction.  “What’s happening?! What’s going on?!” Ditzy said, her voice hysterical. Ponies didn’t melt! Trixie’s body had taken on the texture of melted ice cream or honey, more solid than liquid. “Okay. Okay. Okay.” Had Dinky’s imprisonment dulled her grasp on reality? Had she lost her mind? “Shut the racket! Somepony’s trying to sleep!” “Dear Shocker, the puddles taking?!” Dinky had gone insane, watching the puddle bubble as it spoke. “I said, shut up!” Much to Dinky’s astonishment, the puddle started moving. Her bafflement doubled as the blue ooze gained form, shifting into a more familiar shape. “Trixie?!”  “Yes, obviously.” Ditzy’s mind raced, trying to understand what she’d seen. How was she alive? How was this possible? “Surprised you, eh?” Trixie said, raising an eyebrow. “I’d forgotten I lose shape when I sleep.” “What are you?!” “A pony. No thanks to people like your mother. You’re bright. You figure it out.” “Shocker did this to you?” Ditzy said, eyes wide in astonishment.  “Yes, and that’s why I’ll destroy them all! Now get some sleep.” Trixie got comfortable in her chair again. “Uh, I’m pretty sure they didn’t mean to do this to you,” Dinky said, voice barely rising above a whisper.  “No, they never cared. Shocker destroys lives with a thought.” Trixie refused to say anything more.  Shocker destroys lives? That can’t be true! They’re the heroes! Still, Trixie’s words unnerved her. No wonder Trixie hated Shocker. Their sheer conviction caught Dinky’s breath, and sleep proved difficult to find. But she had to be wrong about Shocker and her momma. They fought for peace and justice, right?