CHAPTER 1: NIGHTMARES
Where was this place? Oh; this world was only a dream.
A baby draconequus stood in this mysterious world, unsure of what to think, or where she was. But there was somepony here with her as well. But the mysterious visitor, or dweller; lacked a face and any color, but based on its shape; it was obviously a pony. The baby draconquus simply looked at that visitor with a puzzled expression, wondering who he or she was.
The mysterious visitor then spoke. "Sweetie, you're not going to lose me, don't worry about those types of things okay? Me and you; we're going to end up just fine. No matter what happens, I'll look out for you."
So it was a female; the voice was obviously feminine. But who was she? The baby draconequus knew she had no recollection of past events really, perhaps this mysterious mare was somepony important in her life. If only she knew.
And at that moment, the feelings washed over her like a tidal wave; feelings that she didn't understand. The baby draconequus gripped her chest from within the dream with a pained look as she struggled to make sense of all these mixed emotions, feelings of love, feelings of loss, and feelings of nostalgia. And soon after, the very world around her; began to take shape in a more detailed form, and soon they were both within a house. A beautiful home, and a place that seemed all too familiar.
The baby draconequus's eyes widened as she attempted to make sense of everything; she wondered why she couldn't. But she wouldn't have much time to relish in this beautiful dream, for it soon shifted into a nightmare.
The nightmare was in the form of another visitor, another colorless, faceless mare. This one spoke to her in a cold callous tone. "You don't deserve mercy after all you've done. I've learned that painful lesson today, and in order to ensure that harmony is everlasting in Equestria, I will do my part. Me and my friends, the ponies of Equestria, we are the greater good, and as long as we're around we'll be there to defend it. Your plots, tricks, and schemes won't work with me. You wear the face of a child but hide the heart of a monster. And I see through it, perhaps you were planning this from the beginning, bringing us here. I can't be certain, but either way-" She paused. "Goodbye."
And the world of the dream began to crumble, and that mare that gave the baby draconequus feelings of love, nostalgia, and loss, began to wither into dust before her very eyes. The beautiful home they were once standing in then began to fall apart piece by piece, as the walls began to decay and rot and the ceiling began to crumble and fall; shattering into a white powdery substance. The baby draconequus looked around with wide eyes and a horrified expression. She took a few steps back as the world around her became black, and blue flames then surrounded her.
The mysterious faceless mare that remained was then able to form a sudden scowl. "I will do what's necessary; for the greater good of Equestria."
And the baby draconequus caught aflame as she fell to her knees, and looked at her own paw and claw burn away to ash with that same horrified guilty expression as she then looked up; letting off a agonizing cry.
"M-MOMMA!" The baby draconequus's eyes shot wide open as she leaned forward from her seat in the back of a travelling cart. But as she awoke, she noticed that all eyes were on her. Well, all six eyes, meaning three individuals simply staring at her with puzzled expressions. The baby draconequus however had a hood on, as well as a cloak in order to hide the rest of her features; and as she noticed she'd made a mockery of herself in her sleep, a crimson blush appeared on her face. She pulled down on her hood before her gaze shifted to the lower left with an ashamed expression, and she muttered. "I'm..I'm sorry....." Not even she really understood that dream; and she wasn't sure why she screamed out 'momma' either; obviously there were still many unanswered questions about her that not even she understood.
One of the other individuals, a changeling that bore the appearance of a stallion with a ebon black coat and neon green mane; smirked at the hooded draconequus with a humored look, crossing his forehooves. "It's quite alright, you don't need to apologize, you talking in your sleep is a lot more interesting than the one bickering in the front."
And then it happened, the large travelling cart came to a sudden halt; and the one controlling the cart from the front's brow twitched as she cocked a brow, slowly turning to look at the changeling. "What, was that? Trixie believes she heard somepony say that she was 'bickering' in the front? Need I remind this somepony that he is riding with one of the greatest and most powerful in Equestria? That he is merely a passenger who Trixie may ditch at any given time? You, are, mere, butterscotch to Trixie!"
The disguised changeling cocked a brow at the showmare with a puzzled look. "Butterscotch?"
Trixie then blushed before biting her lower lip with a somewhat infuriated look. "Y-Yes! Butterscotch! And Trixie is a much more extravagant, mysterious, all powerful flavor!"
The changeling then covered his face with a hoof unable to express how bad he thought that remark was. ".........."
Trixie then snarled as her horn began to glow and then materials from boxes levitated out, specifically duct tape and rope as they made their way, assaulting the changeling against his will. First bounding him like a prisoner and then taping his mouth shut. She then used her telekinesis to bring over a broom, and smack him upside his head continuously until he was unconscious; releasing all of her rage upon him. Trixie then smiled, patting her hooves with satisfaction as she continued moving the cart. Surprisingly she was met with little resistance.
The baby draconequus looked at the changeling with a somewhat worried look. "U-Uhm..."
And then the fourth individual made her move, a bright yellow fluffy pony. She bounced from her seat in the cart and then made her way over to the changeling, looking down at him with a saddened look. "Oh no! Trixie! Kalex's been attacked by magic duct tape and rope and broom sticks! It's horrible!"
Trixie snickered from the front of her cart with a slight smirk. "Oh, he is quite fine, no need to worry about that!"
As Trixie was using her magic to control the cart, she already knew her destination. She was going to the crystal empire, for a very rare occasion, and one that would be booming with night life as well as a chance for her to redeem herself and spread her name, and perhaps restore her reputation. But as the showmare considered why she even had these three other individuals in her cart, it made her feel a little confused as well. She was Trixie, she didn't need anypony around to help her with things, and she never really felt the need to repay anypony, well at least she never got these feelings before her unforgettable fiasco in the small town of Ponyville. Since then, Trixie has felt herself trying to change for the better, and somewhat against her will. Why did she now suddenly crave what that upstart Twilight Sparkle had? Because even with all her magic, and all her talent, Twilight Sparkle had something she didn't understand, and something almost completely foreign to her, friendship. The thought angered and depressed her at the same time. Was she housing these three others in the hopes that she'd be able to make friends? With a changeling no less. N-No, she was simply keeping them around to aid her was all. There was nothing else to it, she was The Great and Powerful Trixie! She didn't need anypony else but herself. Or so she thought at least.
First Trixie glanced back at the changeling she'd just assaulted. He was quite the strange one, very persistent, very sarcastic and smooth with his actions, and very very annoying. He showed an interest in the mare Trixie found most peculiar, but just as satisfying. Offering his services for reasons unknown to her, Trixie didn't mind having another to assist her with almost everything sort of like a Snips and Snails, and she was most certain that his little changeling ability would come in handy down the line on multiple occasions.
Then there was the fluffy pony. Trixie's expression sunk as she regarded this one. This little fluffy pony was proof that the mare was changing, because this fluffy pony was absolutely useless. A young, lone, fluffy pony simply travelling along the roads, perhaps in the past Trixie would of allowed this little pony to just continue travelling alone, but something compelled her to stop that day, to pick it up and take it with her to the crystal empire. Of course she wasn't planning to keep the darn thing, maybe just leave it at some safer location once she got there.
Then there was this third one. The most recent, and probably the most mysterious. Trixie wasn't even sure what this mysterious creature was. It wore a hood and a cloak to mask majority of its appearance, and it was obvious to the mare that whatever this little creature was, she was ashamed of herself, and she didn't want anypony to know; or at least wanted to prevent them from knowing as best she could. This hooded creature helped Trixie repair her cart after it'd been smashed in a very unfortunate incident, and not only that but the creature was able to do it in a matter of seconds, with magic Trixie had never witnessed before. This sort of upset Trixie, the creature bore very powerful magic yet she was ashamed of who and what she was? She should be proud of her talents and abilities! Trixie practically forced this one to stay for personal reasons she'd get into later, but for now, they had to make it to the crystal empire.
Trixie peered ahead once more, pointing a hoof in delight. "Now let us not waste anymore time!"
And so they rode, with her powerful magic at work, the brilliant azure mare propelled the cart down the beaten dirt path through the open lands of Equestria, further towards their destination, further towards the crystal empire!
Well at least that was the plan.
But as time drew on and on, Trixie's expression of fierce determination slowly melted away with each passing hour, and she seemed to grow only more and more frustrated & exhausted. At first it was the early morning, then it drew on into the mid-afternoon, now nightfall was already coming.
The showmare gritted her teeth with bags beneath her eyes as she felt her magic was absolutely drained by that point. She let off an irritated moan "Y-You gotta be kidding....how far is this stupid place?" The cart steadily came to a halt once again.
The baby draconequus then spoke up nervously. "Erhm...if you need any help, I can maybe help move your cart. I wouldn't mind. I think it'd be good for you to rest." She smiled softly at the mare.
Trixie gasped as she squinted at the draconequus. "WHAT!? Absurd! T-Trixie doesn't require any help! She is simply....uhm....in the mood to stop and enjoy the view!" Trixie then cocked a brow at the creature with an inquisitive look. "So next time you offer something such as that you-..." The mare paused. "Wait; what is your name anyway? There must be something that Trixie can call you. She requires a name!"
The baby draconequus's eyes widened for a moment before she chuckled softly; finding this a little funny. "It's Eve."
Trixie smiled. "Good! Well then, Eve, next time you make such an offer, do remember who you're talking to! You're talking to none other than The Great and Powerful Trixie! One of the most powerful equines in all of Equestria!"
The fluffy pony then bounced in interruption. "And I'm LemaLime!" The fluffy pony looked up at Eve with a delighted and eager smile. She then pointed one of her hooves at the still passed out changeling. "Kelax already said hi!"
Trixie then took over once again as she moved from the front of her cart and began shooing all three individuals. "Yes yes yes; introductions introductions, but all of you must be off for now! Trixie requires privacy in order to replenish her- I mean, get ready for the night! We'll be camping here for now." She then burst open the door to her cart, revealing the vast evening sky and beautiful open plains of Equestria. She booted out the changeling, and let Eve and LemaLime escort themselves out. Trixie smiled "Trixie will be with all of you once again in a short while!"
LemaLime then whined profoundly as she whimpered, puckering her lower lip at Trixie. "Mmmmmmm...sniff..."
Trixie felt as if she were hypnotized as she looked at the fluffy pony, her brow twitching every few seconds. "Fine, you come along! But Eve, one must stay in order to watch over the......pest..." The mare then grabbed the fluffy pony before waving at the hooded draconequus. "Until then." Then slammed the door shut behind her.
__________________________________________________________
Eve simply blinked a bit with a pretty baffled look before shrugging with soft smile.
She didn't have any problem with watching over the shapeshifting stallion, it was a pretty beautiful night out anyway. Eve then began setting up a private camp of their own, just like she'd learned from her mentor; one who taught her how to survive and live in this pony society. Eve was a draconequus, and her magical potential was almost limitless in what it could accomplish, a few simple pieces of wood as well as a fire were nothing to her. And so that's what she created, with a swift flick of her claw and paw, wooden blocks emerged and caught fire in a matter of seconds. The baby draconequus then went and sat by the fire, and looked up at the stars with a saddened expression, lost in her own thoughts. She let her hood drop, seeing as nopony was around to see her and the shapeshifting stallion was sleeping.
"So you're a draconequus? Interesting."
Eve's eyes widened as she peered back at the shapeshifting stallion who'd obviously woken up. But not only that, he was already unbound as he stretched out his hooves with a yawn. Eve was practically in shock as she stared at him, about to raise her hood once more as she was interrupted-
"There's no need for that. Trust me, I don't have a thing against draconequus, unlike some 'other' races. I'm a changeling; one of the most despised creatures out there." Kelax revealed his changeling form once more before reverting back into a stallion with a slight smirk. He then began to approach the baby draconequus with a smile.
"B-But you were..." Eve managed to let off as she began to scurry away from him.
Kelax simply shrugged once more with a soft chuckle. "Hah; the ropes and duct tape? I could've gotten those things off anytime I wanted to. As said I'm a changeling, the passive ability to change your shape and size at any given moment really makes those sort of predicaments laughable honestly." He then looked at her a little puzzled. "But hey, what're you so afraid of? It's not like I'm going to hurt you or anything."
Eve then blushed as her gaze shifted to her lower right and she slowly came to a halt. "S-Sorry..I'm just not used to interacting with others, and I've never seen one of your kind before..." She managed to give Kelax an awkward smile. "So y-you're not afraid of me?"
Kelax simply scoffed, brushing himself off with a hoof. "Afraid? Hah! Far from it, I'm actually relieved to find out you're something interesting actually and not just some...powerful...I don't know, weird pony or something..." He looked at her with a raised brow. "And I've never met one of your kind before either, only heard about them in old books so, you're a first for me as well." He cautiously made his way over to Eve before sitting beside her with a soft smirk, then glancing down at her.
As he sat beside her, Eve couldn't help but feel utterly awkward. She scooted a bit away from him, but couldn't help but feel his looming gaze on her. Her own eyes constantly shifted between him and the ground, but mainly on the ground.
"We've got it pretty rough huh, us monsters." Kelax said this in a humored tone, as he looked up at the starry night sky.
Eve's eyes widened as her own expression sunk and she focused on the ground once again. She simply said nothing, there was nothing to say, maybe she could've nodded but, she felt that wasn't needed.
"Well not literally of course; hah, we're just a little different is all. Something I've learned about pony society is that they're really quite nit picky with the way they run things, especially their rulers. They attempt to paint this picture perfect image of themselves, and not out of ignorance, but out of good will. At least that's what I've picked up. I mean, just look at them, although there's many disagreements between the other races in the way things should be run, ponies are probably the most carefree of all, simply living together in perfect harmony." He smirked at Eve then shrugged, leaning back. "It's kind of like they're trying to set the example these days, or at least they were. Now they're so used to everything being so peaceful that they freak out at the first sight of things like us. Although I guess you can't really blame them. Still wouldn't it be nice though; if we were all able to follow that example of peace, but things just don't work out that way, just life I guess." Kelax's expression then sunk as he sighed heavily, and he to looked quite sad for a moment. "And they're leaders know this full well, but they can't distort that perfect image they're trying to create; so they move from behind the scenes. Creatures like us, we know this picture perfect world isn't all it's cracked up to be." He smirked, nudging the baby draconequus with a hoof some. "But hey, I didn't want to be the one to come out here and give you my philosophical outlook on life; eeeh well I probably just did that. But look on the bright side; at least we've got our powers. Remember we're not monsters, we're just a bit different is all-" he rolled his eyes "And I won't deny some of the other races have had some pretty...'bad' representatives...but being what we are doesn't define us as monsters, only this society does."
Eve didn't really care for these types of discussions, actually she cared very little for them. Her thoughts on who the ponies were, how they ran things, and what they were trying to accomplish; she felt made little difference for her ultimately. It was their society, she couldn't tell them how to live their lives. If they didn't want to accept her for what she was, she had to live with it, no matter how much she hated it. But she couldn't deny she found some comfort in his words, and she couldn't help but think that she'd give up her powers any day to have the ordinary life of a little filly. To be able to go to school, to go shopping, all those sorts of things. Maybe someday, she could earn their acceptance.
But those things seemed like childish dreams for one such as herself. Her wishes didn't change that.
__________________________________________________________
There was a looming silence between the two as they simply listened to the burning fire and looked up at the stars for a little while. But eventually, Kel broke the silence once again.
He smiled a bit. "So; what made you stay?"
Eve stated simply. "I'm not planning to."
This caused Kel to raise a brow at the baby draconequus. "And why's that?"
Eve then stood to her feet before raising her hood, then turning to leave. "You look like you'll be fine now...I..I think I'm going to leave now. I just don't think I'm meant to be with others..."
This caused Kel to smirk softly to himself. "You know, I used to think the same thing. I used to think I'd never be able to be with anypony else besides my own race, that we just weren't meant to travel together like this in a diverse group, but, that mare in the cart, the one leading this little trip, she changed my view on things. Even when I showed her my true form, she cared not for what I looked like, for what I was, she saw in me an asset, and maybe more. She seems to be one whose too focused on her personal goals, rather than worry about such things....and I find it fitting...maybe you will to..." He then looked at the departing draconequus with a curious smile, waiting for her response.
Eve was silent, and she found herself trembling, struggling to resist the temptation. No; she knew that only bad things would come if she decided to stick with others, that she'd only be putting them in danger in the days ahead. So why was she being so selfish? Why was she willing to take that risk and stay? Why couldn't she force herself to move? She knew the choice she had to make, she couldn't let maybes and what-ifs stop her from making it.
But; she did.
Her mentor would be disappointed.
She looked down solemnly and turned around, making her way back towards the changeling with a guilty expression. "I...I guess..." She bit her lower lip, a bit infuriated with herself at the moment. "I can...stick around for a little longer and see how it goes..." She sighed heavily as she felt her cheeks turning crimson once more.
Kel closed his eyes and smirked. "Glad to hear it...."
Suddenly the door to the travelling cart burst open, with a half groomed fluffy pony scurrying out. "I don't want to anymore! Please! I like it just the way it is!" LemaLime then hurried behind Kel, hiding behind him trembling.
Kel and Eve's eyes widened as they looked to the open doorway of the cart, as Trixie herself soon emerged.
The mare was apparently soaked, her mane was in tatters, and she looked infuriated, levitating a comb with her magic as she was breathing heavily. "Trixie will not stand for it! All Trixie wants is to give you a good groom! She demands that you return you little devilish fluffball and accept her gracious offer!"
Kel then turned, grabbing LemaLime and throwing her back at Trixie.
LemaLime cried. "Noooooo! Why!? Why!?" Her eyes widened as she stared at him, shocked; with a tragic expression. "W-WHY?" Trixie then snatched up the meddlesome pony, and then dragged her back inside.
Trixie looked to Kel with a smirk and wink. "Thank you for cooperating." Then she shut the door behind her.
Eve couldn't help but chuckle somewhat at the scene as she smiled softly. Perhaps, things wouldn't turn out so bad.
Kel sighed heavily rolling his eyes. "She won't go through with it..."
Eve looked at the changeling with a playful smile. Yea; maybe things would work out and be fun with this group. But there were always so many inevitable maybes, and as usual, no certainties.
__________________________________________________________
Meanwhile in Canterlot, everypony was heading to bed of course, seeing as their precious Princess Luna had raised the moon; signaling that it was probably a good time to head to sleep.
A perfect time for the Princesses to discuss their business.
In the Canterlot throne room, Princess Celestia stood on the second story porch overlooking her beautiful city.
She wore a gracious smile as her gorgeous mane blew steadily with the evening wind.
Princess Luna approached her with a serious expression. "Sister; there's something we must discuss."
Princess Celestia glanced back at her precious sister with that same smile. "Of course dear sister, may I assume that it has something to do with your worries concerning the changelings?"
Princess Luna nodded. "Insightful as always sister; but yes, it does relate to the matter of the changelings. I believe they may be building their ranks for another attack, my sources tell me of rising changeling activity in the badlands."
Princess Celestia smirked, looking up towards the night sky. "We will cross that bridge when the time comes my dear little sister. For now let us enjoy this beautiful night you've created."
Princess Luna made her way to her sisters side before looking down over the city herself. "Sister; you do realize all you must do is give the word, and I will take care of this myself. There is no need for you to get involved."
To this Princess Celestia's features actually distorted somewhat, and her familiar grace vanished as she actually appeared to be quite upset, but then she smiled once more, wearing that familiar grace and possessing a calm, gentle demeanor. "No dear little sister, this is something I will handle personally, with your assistance of course. The changelings attacked our kingdom; endangered our subjects, and were responsible for nearly ruining Cadence's wedding. That mistake will cost them dearly, but we mustn't involve the elements of harmony, we can't risk Twilight and her friends being disconnected from their elements by what they may see. Worry not little sister, everything will turn out just fine and we will make it through this, as we always do." She then turned towards the throne room making her way inside. "All we must do is wait."
Princess Luna's expression sunk somewhat as she sighed, following Princess Celestia. "As you say sister." And the night Princess made her way into the throne room, close behind her sister as they both made their way to their chambers.
And so the Princesses themselves were on the move, with plans of their own.