//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: The Dark Forest // Story: Trixie and her Destiny // by Stark Trist //------------------------------// Trixie awoke to a burning sensation throughout her body, like a bad sunburn, the heat cut deep into her skin. She groaned weakly, her limp body struggling to move. Trixie's breath was labored as each breath brought in uncomfortably hot steam which smelled strongly of rotten vegetation and urine. Trixie opened her eyes to see the world on fire and steam wafting off everything. Just outside the hollowed-out tree, the very ground itself boiled. Like a pop tart left in the microwave too long, the earth bubbled and hissed outside her shelter. Trixie stood, her legs wobbling as she took a few steps toward the opening of the hollowed-out tree. Trixie gasped as what she saw, falling on hind legs in shock. Outside hundreds of small fires burned. The once dense forest lay bare. A new fire-lit gorge stretched out in its place pointing back to the now visible Canterlot. Trixie shivered as she recalled the night's violent ends. Trixie's breath came in short and hitched, the shock fading to a heated panic. The pain, the blood, the fight, everything came crashing down. Her teeth began to chatter, I killed Princess Luna. The image of the gorged alicorn flashed repeatedly through her mind, the phantom would forever haunt Trixie. But in the fight, all Trixie remembered was the absolute glee she felt as the spear ripped into Princess Luna. The fight was satisfying– the murder, enjoyable. Trixie dry-heaved, the un-harmonious thoughts and deeds making her nauseous. Shadowbane took this opportunity to make himself known, "Finally awake I see. Took you long enough! We have much to do and little time to do it. Hurry along or I'll be forced to take over again." Trixie twitched at his voice but was otherwise despondent, “What is happening?” Trixie croaked weekly. She stared out at the devastation in a trance. Shadowbane created an illusory body, "Remember me!" Trixie jumped back as the black spectator's body sprang into being. "We made a deal Trixie.", a long scroll appearing in the air, "Now it is time for you to fulfill your side of the bargain. Simple as that. Any change to your person is of no concern to me." Trixie moved forward to inspect the familiar scroll, looking over the many clauses and sub-clauses that she had no time to read last they spoke. Shadowbane coughed, "Now it is time we take our leave. I have bought us some time to leave the forest, but it is not wise to test our luck. I have no idea how quickly Celestia will send the search parties, but I am certain she will send someone. I have many plans that need instigating. Even if you are a useless piece of trash, even trash can burn to keep a house warm." Trixie gulped, the enormity of her troubles settling in. Trixie started to move onto the finally cooled earth as the last of the fires slowly burned out. "Fine, what do you want The Gr– Trixie to do." "Well first, we shall head–" Shadowbane was interrupted by an ominous howl which sprang into the air. The low soft call was greeted by others as the once still forest burst into a chorus of howling. An icy cold shiver ran down Trixie’s back, prompting her to move from the smoldering tunnel. Shadowbane continued, "—Haha it looks like we are about to have some company! Normally, I might let you die and find someone else, but Timberwolves make horribly boring hosts. They are far better than your useless self, but I can't very well take a timberwolf into Hallow Shades. Let us be on our way." Trixie quickly trotted across the smoldering opening, attempting to remain calm as the howls grew louder and more frequent. She reached the treeline, entrenching herself in the deep brush of the Everfree forest bordering the newly formed highway of burnt vegetation. Trixie peered out over the open area. Her shelter, the old hollow tree cast permanent shadows of unburnt plants across the burning enclosure. The green stripe of the vegetation defying all logic as it lay contrasted against the shifting ash and smoldering vegetation. Trixie’s eyes focused, attracted to the motion of a shadow shifting on the other side of the gorge. Trixie's eyes went wide as a massive creature gracefully sneaked out onto the opening, cautiously approaching the log, sniffing. The timberwolf was joined by another, a younger and smaller devil which violently dashed toward the log, tossing gray ash into the air as the creature came to a halt next to other. A third came into view, the largest of the three, its massive body dwarfing the others as the beast strode out into the open. Trixie, stood motionless as the three creatures sniffed and snarled; the antagonizing scent of burning pony driving the creatures to relentlessly claw at the log, searching for the source. The graceful timberwolf looked up, his eyes searching the dense forest, then he began to trot. He traveled back and forth examining the smoldering tunnel carved out of the forest until he stopped. The beast sniffed the bits of hair scattered about the burnt vegetation. He let out a low growl summoning the two others to his side as the pack followed the trail. Trixie’s heart rate raced, the three monsters steadily approaching her hiding place. Scenario after scenario of echoing throughout her mind as the timberwolves encroached upon her hiding place. "Haha, well look at that. You're popular, O Great and Powerful Trixie. How about this, I'll help you try and not die if you try and be a little less useless.", Shadowbane said in their mindscape. Trixie thought back, "Fine, Trixie will do it." Trixie's skin crawled as she felt the dark magic take hold once again. Shadowbane grinned, happily "Ha-haha, That's my girl!" Trixie’s horn began to glow, magic clocking her form in the dark brush. The three timberwolves approached, the leader following Trixie’s scent. Across the scorched burnt scar in the forest, there was a loud rustle in the bushes. The group of timberwolves turned, then bolted for the bushes. The rustling continued up the mountain luring the group further away from Trixie. "Haha, cleaver." Shadowbane thought in amusement. Trixie smirked, “See, Trixie does not need to fight to be great!” She touted. Shadowbane's dark magic subsided, "Next time clue me in on the fun, won't you! I burned up at least 2 years of your life there." Trixie flinched, "What!" she said out loud. Shadowbane laughed, "Ha-ha-hahaha, ponies are so fun to play with. Now let us be on our way." Trixie cast another active camouflage spell and exited her hiding place. She couldn't explain why, but she was pulled in a particular direction through the forest, knowing instinctively where to go. The night remained bright, the moon hanging still in the night sky a soft breeze frolicked through the forest’s underbrush rippling leaves against the tired unicorn’s hooves. The quite gave Trixie space to think. She wanted to doubt that Princess Luna was killed. If there was any chance— "Shadowbane?" She called. "Yes, little girl, What is it?", he replied shortly. "Did w-we kill Princess Luna? I am having trouble remembering." She lied, hoping her memory was fake. "Ahhh, ever Celestia's little caring pony. Forget about it!" Shadowbane scorned, "Your only path forward is me! It does not matter to you whether she lives or dies, only that I am satisfied." Trixie nodded, the unspoken end she would face should Shadowbane become unsatisfied flashing through her mind. Shadowbane laughed,"Ha-haa. For now, let us keep to the shadows. There will no doubt be an investigation and it would be best to keep a low profile." I am a criminal, a spectator possessed murderer. Trixie's mind combusts into chaos. A whirlwind of emotions, anger, grief, fear. Trixie knew the fate of all criminals. Back in Manehatten, she would hear stories of what happened in the jails. She saw first hoof the brutality and ruin which followed criminals. The memorable encounter flashed through her mind. ~~~ A group of royal guards were marching the streets, a brown stallion with a short mane and bruised body followed the troop. The distraught pony trotted slowly, iron cuffs on each hoof with chains attached to four guards. The chains clanged eerily on the stone walkway as the group slowly preceded. The stallion in front was a tall unicorn, wearing a high ranking police uniform, he trouted proudly with his crew and prize in tow. The leader froze, his face taking a hard expression. The stallion, held a hoof aloft halting his company as he scanned the near vacant street. His horn began to glow, a dark blue shield enshrouded his company. “In the name of Celestia, reveal yourself!” He shouted. An eerie silence followed as a few curious onlookers watched the group anxious to who he was referring. Moments later an energy bolt sailed from one of the rooftops striking the shield as two homeless earth ponies simultaneously bucked the bubble shattering the shield into hundreds of fragments. A few dozen others flooded the streets unicorn, pegasus, and earth ponies ripping the peaceful street into pieces as they fought. Trixie hurriedly ran away, screams of pain and a brutal fight echoing through the streets. ~~~ Trixie kept moving, pulled through the forest by an invisible rope. The vivid memory distracting her as she moved. After the fight, her Mom it was the Gray Horns who ambushed the guards. Trixie tried to rationalize the situation, what would really happen to her? Technically, She thought to herself, I haven't broken any laws. It isn’t illegal to kill gods right? Trixie chuckled to herself. Who in their right mind would make such a law? Wait. . . She remembered her elementary days, It is against the law to hurt any sapient creature capable of speech, Trixie cursed to herself as she realized there was no possible to sidestep the law. A twig snapped behind Trixie. She froze, her mind concentrating on her camouflage to meld into the surroundings as she turned her head toward the sound. One of the timberwolves from before stood several feet away, glaring at Trixie as sap dripped from its jagged mouth. The beast crept closer to Trixie, as he prepared to pounce. Trixie, stood frozen in her place fear gripping her hooves grappling them to the ground. Shadowbane laughed into Trixie's mind, "Hah, it looks like you will be needing my help after all!". The effect was immediate as Trixie's body once again filled with dark magic. Trixie’s body twitched as two separate beings fought for control towards different actions. The timberwolf now aware of the exact location of Trixie pounces at the fidgeting unicorn. Both consciousnesses saw it coming and their wills finally aligned leaping out of the way of the attack and blasting the timberwolf back with a blast of telekinetic force. The timberwolf roared as the magical blast tossed him into the air flying away from the Trixie at an astonishing speed. The beast growled low as his massive claws dug into the hard earth to stop itself from sliding further from her prey. "Useless pony! That was pointless! I am taking over!" Shadowbane roared. Trixie was terrified, the near-death experience cowed her into submission. Shadowbane took the opportunity to take control, guiding Trixie's mind and body. The fear melted away into cold calculated thought. Trixie's body calmed as the two beings' control and goals merged. They were Trixie Shadowbane once more. They stood facing down the timberwolf, a massive grin plastered across their sweating face. Trixie's horn glowed, another blast of force breaking the outer branches of the beast. The timberwolf stumbled slightly back from the blast, glaring at the unicorn, a strange expression of shock and rage beaming down upon the tiny unicorn. The beast let out an ear-splitting howl as the beast re-engaged its prey. Trixie heard Shadowbane curse, the timberwolf was calling for help. Trixie fired another burst of telekinetic force toward the beast's head. She followed it up with another a quick camouflage spell, darting away into the dark forest. "You really are a one-trick pony aren't you. No real fire magic, and a host of useless stage magic." Shadowbane lamented. Trixie will think of something. Those tools are greater than you know! Trixie thought back, angry that Shadowbane was not impressed with her life's work. The timberwolf roared again, unphased by the magical blasts, it pursued Trixie. Its wooden body buckling loudly as it raced around trees and large brushes to keep up with the small unicorn. The massive beast got within a claw’s distance of the mare only to receive a blast to the face knocking the timberwolf back a few feet before continuing its pursuit. Trixie summoned an ice lance, the hack-job of a spell she cast in her dream, altered to fit the physical realm. Condensing the moisture in the air into a thin filament of razor-sharp ice. The cyan conjuration bolted after the timberwolf, the shard’s edges grazing the timberwolf front leg. The beast slowed considerably, the attack dealing notable damage. The beast continued to follow Trixie from a safe distance. Close enough to see, but too far to attack once more. Horror filled Trixie’s gut as timberwolf’s intentions became clear as her sprint slowed to a trot, keeping the beast kept its distance. Trixie stopped, eyeing the timberwolf carefully as they regained their strength. The timberwolf responded in kind, confirming Trixie’s fears as it stayed out of range. "This one seems smarter than the average timberwolf. We will need a plan." Shadowbane commented. Trixie ground her teeth, "Trixie is working on it!". She took a deep breath trying to calm herself. Don't panic! Being thrown to the wolves and a stage show gone awry are like the same thing— right? There must be a way out of this! The timberwolf howled again. In the distance, other howls echoed through the forest. Trixie’s eyes darted to see where they would come from, but then notice that the forest was darker in the direction to the south. Taking the note of the timberwolf’s temporary distraction as it howled again she dashed off to the south. Trixie felt her eyes hiss as she ran into the dense forest. The black forest turning to shades of grey as her vision improved. Frantically she jumped from log to log, diving under massive branches trying to put as much forest between herself and the timberwolves. It was almost unnerving how agile she felt now. The grass and thick brush which once made her stumble and trip were easily vaulted. Trixie was breathing hard, but she didn’t feel fatigued; instead, she felt afraid and thrilled at the same time. The sensation was uncanny, but the endless waves of energy were more than welcome. She felt great and doubled her speed darting through the forest at a furious pace, a grin finding its way onto her face as she went. Minutes passed, the thrill of the chase pushing Trixie onward. Unfortunately, she hadn’t lost the timberwolves. The pack of creatures pursued the unicorn relentlessly, their number almost a half dozen, bore down on her from all sides. Trixie breathed hard, trying to speed up as the pack got closer, but her body started to slow. One of the wolves made it into range pouncing at Trixie. A quick glow of magic altered it's course into a passing tree, its form splintering in the collision into hundreds of branches. A wave of howls echoed throughout the forest as the beast’s body scattered across the forest floor. Trixie’s lungs and heart started to give as hundreds of cramps began to populate her body. "You disappoint me, Trixie. No matter, I'll find another. Goodbye Trixie, I can't say it's been a pleasure knowing you." Shadowbane spoke in a bored tone as the timberwolves descended on their prey. Shadowbane also pulled his dark magic away, the world turning dark once again as he prepared to leave. In desperation, Trixie cast several dozen smoke bomb spells, blinding herself and the wolves as she blindly darted through the forest. The ground disappeared beneath her, Trixie’s stomach lurching into her racing heart as she fell out of her cloud of smoke. She screamed, falling headfirst into the ground. Instinctively, Trixie summoned a shield spell upon impact, breaking her fatal fall. The impact was heavy, as loose dirt shattered. The unicorn lay semi-conscious in her impact creator. A falling branch slashed open her cheek, waking the stunning unicorn. Trixie opened her eyes, revealing a swarm of timberwolves clawing their way down the cliff she fell off. Trixie Jumped up to sprint the other way and promptly stumbled screaming in pain. Trixie's front hoof was sprained or broken. She hobbled away from her impact crater a small light flickering in the distance like a beacon in the dark forest. Trixie’s hope surged at the possibility of salvation. One of the timberwolves dove out of the smoky forest above, the beast screeched as it fell, exploding upon impact a few feet behind Trixie. Trixie let out a short cry as branches and rock shrapnel flew around her. Another chorus of howls filled the forest urging Trixie into a quicker, yet awkward skipping pattern. Trixie let out a low curse as she saw the timberwolves reach the bottom of the cliff. Now only a large opening separated Trixie from the beasts. Trixie reached the treeline, only a few hundred feet more until she reached the light source ahead. Glancing behind her she cast another spell quickly before entering the forestry to pursue the light Several elongated force fields materialized into existence, like long tubes of magic they hovered above the ground a few feet high and perpendicular to the approaching horde. The closest timberwolf failed to notice the magic as the light blue blended with the cold stone below. The beast thrashed across leaping energetically missing the first tube, he tripped on the next smashing its face into the ground as splinters scattered across the opening. The other timberwolves enraged doubled their pace after the unicorn stumbling over the magical force field tubes. Trixie winced at the magical feedback as the first tube shattered. She was nearly halfway there when she felt a reverberation of magic the tube closest to her. Trixie looked back to see one of the small devils approaching, kicking up soil and slashing into the trees as the beast jumped from ground to tree limb and back in seconds, transversing the rough terrain with ease. Trixie pushed herself to go faster, hissing in pain with each painstaking step. Trixie felt the beast was close and started to cast her ice lance in defense. She turned to greet the charging timberwolf, it pounced at her diving from the trees dozens of feet into the air attempting to smash the mare on impact. Trixie was ready, finishing her spell she extended the length lance digging the shard deep into the ground with the point extruding a dozen feet into the air. The feral beast screech as its body was impailed by the ice lance. The beast roared in pain, a whiff of small black smoke escaped its chest cavity as the green light in its eyes burning seconds ago extinguished, replaced with by darkness. Trixie stared at the beast for another second, its lifeless form still intact, yet hollow of any motion. Another chorus of howls echoed throughout the forest prompting Trixie to continue running. Three more timberwolves cleared the rocky opening entering the forestry in pursuit. Trixie was not in a good way, stumbling as she approached the light source only a few dozen feet away. Trixie stole a glance at the three timberwolves which had now taken up a formation behind her. Trixie’s vision began to blur, her body shutting down under the strain of her injuries and exhaustion. Trixie set to one final blast in defense. The three timberwolves dove claw first at her small form. Trixie’s horn exploded with light, a massive blast of telekinetic force cascading through the forest tossing the three timberwolves with a massive wave of dust through the forest. The magical blast launched Trixie in the opposite direction, wildly catapulted through the air, she screamed weakly. Trixie flew through the air, the world blurred around her, dark green trees and dark blue sky swishing by her eyes as she flew. The flying unicorn saw the sky one last time, then was greeted by a wall of fire. crashing into the fire until her vision fading to black.