Ein Sof Zealotry

by ZhaoZoharEX

Chapter 3

“Helloooo! There you are!” Twilight shouted and used her elbows to push her way through the veritable sea of ponies crowding the entrance hall of Canterlot Conference Centre. So that’s why Princess doesn’t host these events in the palace. I wouldn’t want this stampede in my house either. To her immense relieve the ponies she was trying to meet noted her shouting and stopped moving.

After few minutes of traversing the hall, accompanying her progress with apologies at first and passive insults later on, Twilight reached the duo. For some time she just panted from the strain, the two giving her the time she needed. Once she regained her composure, Twilight looked at the duo with a smile.

“I just realized a strangest thing, Midnight. We agreed to meet, but forgot to establish where and when.”

Midnight Spell returned her smile with his own and ran a hoof through his mane. “We did, didn’t we? Well, I am sure you would come up with a way to find us, even if you had to perform a summoning ritual to do so.” He burst in laughter, but it died down soon as he spotted the expression on Twilight’s face.

She was twirling a strand of her mane around her hoof, eyes trying to burn holes into the ground and a small blush creeping on her cheeks. “Actually,” she said barely above whisper, “that kinda was the plan B.” She opened her saddlebags with her magic and revealed six candles, a chalk and a book with silver writing on the front saying ‘Things lost and found’.

“Oh you gotta be kidding me.” Their heads snapped to the third pony present, who they ignored to that point. Although unintentional, this neglect added to Trixie’s irritation caused by Twilight’s use of very advanced spells to solve minuscule problems. “Next time it gets too dark for you to read, will you raise the sun?”

The smiles dropped from their faces and merged on Trixie’s. However, her victory didn’t last for long as Twilight closed her saddlebag again and shook her head in amusement. “And you told me she has changed!” She pointed an accusing hoof at Midnight. “This is exactly the same Trixie I remember.” She followed her statement with a chuckle.

Hearing that, Trixie bit her lower lip and hang her head low with a troubled expression. The sudden change of attitude didn’t go unnoticed by Midnight Spell, who glared at Twilight mildly. “Give her a chance. I thought you didn’t judge ponies from one sentence, Twilight.”

“You are right, that is a wrong thing to do.” Twilight took a step toward Trixie and reached her hoof forward. “Trixie, it was an inappropriate joke to make and I am sorry. Will you accept my apology?”

Trixie scanned Twilight’s face for any traces of mockery, but to her surprise found nothing. She tentatively grabbed the offered hoof and squeezed it lightly. “Yes, the Gre-” she caught herself and began anew. “Yes, Trixie will accept your apology,” she finished with a much calmer and quieter voice.

“Well, if you are reconciled, why don’t we go find a nice restaurant to enjoy our lunch in peace? I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine eating in the canteen here. It is enough such things are served to me daily during the school week.” The words of wisdom preached by Midnight broke the mares from their reverie they got themselves into and they trotted after him.

They walked for a short while, led by Midnight Spell, who knew the city best of them all, despite the fact that Twilight grew up there too and as a nobility member should have had some knowledge of fine establishments. When Trixie pointed it out, Twilight took it in stride. “I had little time to drag myself through entertainment establishments when I lived here. Some ponies actually studied when they were supposed to.” Before Trixie could react, Twilight touched her hoof and tilted her head apologetically. Trixie adopted a mischievous smirk and winked at her.

Once they arrived to their destination and made their order, Midnight took initiative. “So. I came to understand that you two know each other. Will you share with me how you met?” He realized right after that his choice of topic could have been luckier. Both mares became bashful and it seemed they both waited for the other to speak.

After few more seconds of silence Twilight sighed and met Trixie’s gaze. “Let’s just say that Trixie visited Ponyville a little over a year ago, didn’t make the best impression and left on less than amicable terms. We will leave it at that, right Trixie?” The other mare nodded her consent and turned her gaze away.

Midnight coughed uncomfortably. “Um, let’s choose a different topic, shall we? Any ideas?”

“So your friends and you defeated the changeling invasion?” Trixie asked immediately, happy to shift the focus of conversation on somepony else. Alas, this topic didn’t prove much better than the last one.

“No,  Princess Cadance and Shining Armor defeated the changelings with magic of love, and my… friends and I only helped them. If it were the other way around, the symposium would be about Elements of Harmony.” The tinge of distaste at the word ‘friends’ didn’t escape Trixie’s attention, but she decided to store it for later.

“What do you think about the symposium so far anyway?” Midnight butted in to prevent another awkward silence. Both mares perked up and once again waited for the other one to speak. And once again, it was Twilight who took the task on herself.

“What we heard so far was… interesting.” She paused and glanced around, checking if anypony was listening. Reassured, she continued. “Scratch that. They don’t have a slightest idea what they are talking about. If their titles depended on their today’s performance, there would be much fewer professors now!”

“Trixie totally agrees. But don’t worry, Twilight Sparkle, the afternoon will be much better. Trixie has prepared a glorious speech about the subject. You will be awed!” Trixie puffed her chest in pride and flashed Twilight a brilliant grin.

“If I am not mistaken, Twilight is supposed to hold a speech right after yours, Trixie. It will be great opportunity to compare your knowledge.” Midnight practically glowed with excitement when he shared that little information.

Trixie felt the exact opposite. Twilight noted how the mare shrank into herself at the realization that they would be compared directly. Using a moment when Midnight busied himself with reading a list of schnapps he could order for them to celebrate, she reached over the table and patted Trixie’s hoof lightly. The other mare looked at her gratefully and straightened a bit.

It seems she really did change. I will have to make more observations before I draw a conclusion though.

Trixie paced restlessly from one end of a hidden alley to the other and back, the sound of her hooves hitting the cobblestones echoing far and wide through the darkening air of Canterlot evening. The streets were mostly abandoned since most ponies already made their way to wherever they wished to spend their evening. One pony, however, hadn’t shown to that destination, to Trixie’s growing irritation.

When she bothered to make such big thing of sending me that note, she could at least come. Why, making it appear in front of me after my speech is completely normal way of communication, right? What a show-off… relatively speaking. Trixie winced slightly at the irony of that thought, but continued her stride nonetheless.

Why would she want to see Trixie anyway? She didn’t look two happy during the lunch. She blushed as she recalled more details of the meeting. She… did hold Trixie’s hoof though. That has to mean something. But Trixie won’t find out if she doesn’t come. She should have been here… Trixie pulled a small piece of paper from her saddlebag and read it again.

I would like to talk to you more, without others listening.
Would you like to meet for some tea today? If yes, come to Breezeleaf Teahouse at 7 pm.
Twilight Sparkle

PS: Your speech was fantastic.

Trixie hid the note again and snorted. Fantastic. Right. And then she blew everypony’s mind with her thesis about folkstales. Trixie looked like a foal compared to her. She just has a knack for this. 7 pm. That means she should have been here- she looked at the clocktower over the rooftops-twenty minutes from now. Great. Trixie came too soon again.

The wind bit into her and she pulled her cape closer. Despite the overall warm weather, the proximity of the mountain made the nights noticeably colder. Trixie will just go inside and come back when it’s time. Twilight certainly doesn’t want to meet an icicle. She hurried to the door of designated teahouse and went straight in without knocking.

The cozy atmosphere of the establishment warmed her almost more than the actual temperature of the room. In the middle of Canterlot she would expect a pompous hall with golden chandeliers, everything glistening and properly maintained. The wood panelling of the walls, slightly worn sofas and chairs and low lighting along with the everpresent scent of tea belonged more to a smaller town like Colton from Trixie’s experience. Not that she would complain about that detail.

An earth pony stallion immediately stepped to her and bowed a little to her gallantly. “Good evening. Miss Trixie, I suppose?” Trixie didn’t think about being expected, so a pony knowing her name, a gentlecolt even, threw her off balance. She only managed to nod. He smiled brightly and motioned for her to follow. “This way, please. I will bring you the tea menu in a moment.” He opened a door for her and she entered still in a stupor in a small room with an ornate lamp hanging from the ceiling, a low table and two embroidered velvet cushion. One of those was occupied by Twilight.

“Trixie!” she exclaimed enthusiastically and hoped to the other mare. “I am so glad that you decided to come. And even more that you came early. I was really nervous and couldn’t calm down in my room, so I arrived really early and it was getting really boring and I went through so many scenarios in my head and-” She noticed the shocked expression on Trixie’s face and turned her eyes to the ground sheepishly. “I will stop rambling now.”

Trixie shook her head to clear it from the barrage of words and regained her composure quickly. “Well, when you asked Trixie so nicely to come, she decided to make some time in her busy schedule.” She threw her head back haughtily and adopted her trademark smirk, but dropped both the poise and the expression at Twilight’s deadpan look. “Ok, sorry. Trixie is very glad you invited her to this little outing. She doesn’t get much chance to unwind lately.”

“You are very welcome. Please take a seat so we can choose what to order,”

Trixie did so and buried her muzzle in the menu, but soon glanced back up at Twilight. “Trixie has no idea what any of these are,” she admitted with a small groan.

“I will order for you too then,” Twilight chirped and clapped her hooves excitedly. Trixie only shook her head, partially in disbelieve and partially to hide how she enjoyed the other mare’s antics. Soon they both had their steaming beverages and small snacks in front of them and they made themselves comfortable.

“So,” Trixie began as she twirled the spoon in her cup, “why exactly did you invite Trixie to this lovely establishment?”

“I wanted to congratulate you on your speech,” Twilight said bashfully, intently staring at the decor of the china.

Trixie cocked her head. “You did so in the note.”

“I did, didn’t I? OK, no need to hide it anyway.” Twilight took a deep breath and looked in Trixie’s eyes. “I heard from Midnight that you became his apprentice and that you changed and I was curious. It seems that you are really different than you were back in Ponyville, so I thought that we could maybe become friends. Because I want and need to make new friends.” Her voice took urgent tone near the end of her speech and she leant a bit forward.

Twilight Sparkle wants to be Trixie’s friend! Were Trixie alone, she would perform a small celebration dance. And the happy grin on her face mimicked the sentiment. But then something caught her attention. “Wait. Need new friends? What for?”

Twilight recoiled slightly, realizing her premature revelation, but her face spoke about resolutive decision. “I was given a very important task, but I can’t complete it alone. I think that you could be of much help as well as to be a great friend, Trixie.” She smiled coyly.

She wants Trixie’s help! But this whole thing is really strange. Trixie needs more information first. “Trixie is very flattered that you think so highly about her and she will gladly be your friend and help you,” and spend as much time with you as possible, “but don’t you have a group of friends who usually go to suicidal tasks with you?”

She soon realized that the question was a mistake. Twilight sank into herself and small sobs could be heard. Trixie panicked, thinking that she somehow offended her new friend and hurriedly made her way to Twilight’s side, wrapping the distressed mare in a hug. “Trixie is sorry, Twilight. She didn’t want to hurt you.” She went quiet as Twilight leaned into her, calming slightly. The sobbing subsided soon enough and Twilight looked up at Trixie with thankfulness in her eyes.

“You… you know about the changeling attack few months ago, right?” The other mare nodded, eagerly expecting the explanation of Twilight’s outburst as well as her bitterness about the conference from the lunch meeting. “I recognised that Cadance was an imposter, but nopony believed me. They scolded me and walked away on me. It wasn’t the first time my… friends disregarded me either. I… I just can’t trust them anymore. Do you understand?”

“Trixie understands very well and will be happy to help you with anything you need. So what task did Celestia give you this time?” Trixie asked with an encouraging smile.

“Not Celestia.”

Trixie became confused by that simple statement. “Then who?”

“During the wedding celebration I went for a short walk to sort out my thoughts. I met her in the garden, she actually saved me from falling down the cliff.” Twilight shuddered at the idea of such death. “She opened my eyes to what my friends really are to me and how Celestia is just playing with me. But she will let me help her right the wrongs of the world. Together we will cleanse it of malice. She is an angel and I will help Elysium to save Equestria from itself!

The devotion in Twilight’s voice and firm gaze would have impressed Trixie, weren’t the thing so laughable. “Are you serious?” she asked and paled when Twilight resolutely nodded. Trixie deflated a little. So this is what she wanted all along. Crash me. And I hoped she could like me.

She jumped up and snarled at Twilight. “Angels and cleansing Equestria? That’s your glorious task and proposition? Who do you have Trixie for? A fool? If you wanted to play a prank on Trixie, you could have chosen a less sick way!” With that she turned and stormed out of the teahouse as fast as possible, hiding the tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

Twilight stayed where she was with her mouth wide open, slowly processing what just happened. Replaying the whole conversation in her head she couldn’t help but facehoof at how stupidly she presented the situation to Trixie, her own words sounding preposterous to her now. She lay her head on her hooves dejectedly and closed her eyes. Yet deep inside she knew that she couldn’t give up just yet.

Over the next few days, Twilight tried to approach Trixie, but every time she would somehow miss her chance. Growing very frustrated after one long day, she returned back to her bedroom in the castle. She intended to get some rest, but an unexpected visitor was inside.

“I see you are having trouble, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Scintillant? What are you doing here?” Twilight said bewildered.

“Are you really that surprised? I have been watching over you and I see your frustration is getting the better of you. That mare seems to believe you’re playing her.”

“I didn’t really help with how I explained it. I understand the sheer absurdity of my words, but I just wish I could prove to her that I’m serious.”

“Perhaps you can.”

“I don’t think I can fix this on my own. Can you help me?”

“Of course. I can help prove in the most direct way possible both your intentions and our existence. However, it is up to you to convince your friend to join in your efforts. No amount of Elysium magic will allow me to compel her otherwise. You must show her the light as I did with you.”

“What do you want me to do right now?”

“First, you need to go to sleep.”

With that, Scintillant took her leave through the open balcony door. Twilight, obeying her order, prepared for bed. I hope this works. If I just explained it better, we wouldn’t be having this problem. The instant her head hit the pillow, the unicorn was out like a light.

Almost as soon as she went to sleep, she opened her eyes to see the same grassy field from her first visit to Elysium. This time though, the water in the fountain was frozen. Well, I’m back here again. Now I just have to wait for Scintillant. Trixie’s body suddenly materialized near the fountain, albeit disoriented.

“One minute Trixie is studying in bed and the next thing she know, she’s in this weird place,” Trixie said disgruntledly.

“Good evening to you too, Trixie.”

“Twilight? What are you doing in Trixie’s dream? What is Trixie doing in YOUR dream?”

“Why indeed,” said a voice unfamiliar to Trixie. Scintillant materialized from the frozen water of the fountain. Her sudden appearance almost knocked Trixie off her feet out of sheer surprise. “I must admit, you are an interesting mare, Trixie Lulamoon.” the ethereal angel said.

“I… What is… Huh?...”

“I heard from your friend here that you were unwilling to believe her talk about Elysium and Ein So- I’m never going to get used to that- Angels. Well, perhaps this can provide some proof.”

Trixie was unsure what to think. Even though this was supposedly a dream, the grass on her hooves felt real. She could feel the warm wind blowing through the surrounding clouds just like she could when awake. Is this really a dream? Because if it is, it’s the most realistic dream Trixie has ever had. Trixie looked around the landmass, and glancing out in the distance beyond the clouds, she caught a glimpse of two serpentine creatures, both the same color scheme as the angelic pony near her.

“What… Is all this?” the confused unicorn asked.

“Truth is stranger than fiction, Trixie. When I told you all that stuff at the teahouse, I wasn’t lying,” Twilight said trying to convince her.

“How does Trixie know this is real though?”

“Oh but this place is very real,” Scintillant interjected. “Elysium is much bigger than you can comprehend. It is designed to be a paradise for those who earn it. Thus, you create your own ideal sanctuary. But if you are still apprehensive, why don’t we talk in a more familiar place for you. I will recommend a password phrase, one that you yourself will use to confirm.”

“That sounds reasonable to Trixie.”

“If I could make a suggestion, you will ask the question ‘When do the angels fall?’ and we will respond with ‘Every time when it is necessary’. When you wake up, we can converse more on that subject.”

Scintillant’s halo started spinning again and a flash erupted from her horn. Before she knew it, Trixie woke up in her bed. Her eyes were still heavy from the deep trance and it took a moment for her to get her bearings. Upon trying to lift her head, she was struck with an intense headache.

“Do not worry. It will not last long.”

Trixie looked up and saw Scintillant standing across the room. Not long after, Twilight teleported into the room, apparently suffering from the same headache as Trixie.

“Please tell me that leaving Elysium doesn’t always result in a migraine,” Twilight groaned in agony.

“You will get used to it in time. With each visit, the pain lessens until it no longer appears.”

Trixie alternated between rubbing her temples from the pain and rubbing her eyes from the astonishment of seeing the two mares in her room. After a short while of silence, Trixie remembered what the angel told her.

“Wha-when do the angels fall?”

“Every time when it is necessary.”

“Sweet Celestia, this really is happening...”

“Are you willing to listen to my task now?” Twilight asked with a smile.

Trixie stopped for a moment to let everything sink in. “Trixie guesses she can’t deny everything going on now, can she? Sorry for that night, Twilight.”

“It’s okay. Your reaction was understandable. And I didn’t word it very well.”

“Right. Well then, shall we get to business now?” Scintillant said. “Twilight Sparkle believes you to be a potential candidate to take part in our plan. I believe you have potential as well, judging from what I’ve seen. But I have to test that potential.”

“What did you have in mind for her, Scintillant?”

“I want to see how this young mare handles true power. There exists a powerful talisman. When worn, it will endow its holder untold magic prowess. If you can wield this power with efficiency, perhaps I can confirm your dedication.”

Trixie can’t believe this. A chance to  work with Twilight AND hold unimaginable power? “Where does Trixie begin?”

Despite her stoic demeanor and lack of facial features, Scintillant had a hint of satisfaction on her face. “It is called the Alicorn Amulet. You may find it within the city. You just have to know where to look. Being an apprentice to a magic tutor, you should know where to find trinkets of high value.”

“Of course! The curio shop downtown.”

“I will leave this to the both of you then. Before you get to work though, I must offer some advice. Twilight Sparkle, I would suggest the two of you act as though neither of you even hint to being associated with each other. Trixie Lulamoon, I suggest you keep quiet to anyone else about how you learned about this amulet, and where you got it.”

“There is a week break between the symposium assemblies for some of the other delegates to arrive. That should leave us a sufficient amount of time to do this.” Twilight said.

“I’ll go look for the Amulet as soon as I get the chance tomorrow,” Trixie added.

“Good. I leave it to you two then. I suggest you both get some rest, tomorrow is going to be fairly stressful for you.”

As Trixie went about going back to sleep and Twilight teleported back to her room, Scintillant flew out of the open window, with a grin. “Let’s see how the two of them handle this…”

Twilight nervously paced back and forth through Zecora’s hut. From the confined space she was provided she was getting a good idea how infuriating the life of a goldfish in an aquarium must be. How could everything go so wrong?

Were she not planning to spend the week in Ponyville, Celestia’s order to act as an entertainer for Saddle Arabian diplomats would insult her much more, although Trixie’s joking about the reversal of their roles still threatened to bring Twilight over the edge.

What was supposed to be a simple pleasant experience for Trixie instead turned into tyranny, Twilight’s exile and breaking of their recently formed friendship. To make things worse, Fluttershy was now lecturing her about the obvious. Yes, life was brilliant.

“I can’t believe I didn’t recognize the Alicorn Amulet,” Twilight exclaimed in mock-shocked voice and secretly glared at Fluttershy. Now she will certainly tell me that it multiplies the bearer’s magical prowess.

“The more she uses it, the more it will corrupt her.”

Wait, what? Corruption? Scintillant didn’t mention anything about that. If that’s the case, then Trixie isn’t in control of most of her actions. Okay, now I feel bad about wanting to strangle her…

“But how am I supposed to beat that amulet? My magic’s not good enough.” She was actually right about the role reversal. I see how humiliating it must have been for her when I defeated that Ursa Minor. I must apologize to her… When this is over.

“Twilight Sparkle, much work have you done. You’ve learned all of my lessons, all but one. If Trixie’s tricks have you in a fix, you must mix your magic and use the six.”

That is one complicated way how to tell me to ask my friends to help me cheat in a duel. But I guess it could work. This is in their interest as well, so maybe they will stick with me for once. “Mix your magic, use the six… Mix your magic use the six! Use the six, Zecora you’re a genius! Now we need to get you back inside Ponyville, Fluttershy.”

Once Fluttershy left, Twilight turned to Zecora. “There will be one more thing I would like to ask from you, Zecora,” she said sheepishly. Though she knew this would be the best solution, she was still reluctant to share so much information.

“Twilight Sparkle, do not fret, asking will not pose a threat.” Zecora placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder to show support and beckoned her to continue.

“Well, once we rid Trixie of the dark influence, I fear that ponies will turn against her. The things she does aren’t her fault, but they won’t see it that way.”

“Justified fear you have in mind, reaction to her won’t be kind. Wises decision would be to hide, until with time they let it slide,” Zecora said with a nod and poured herself some more tea.  

“Exactly. But I can’t think of any hiding place other than Everfree forest. That will take time to prepare - we have to build her some kind of home, supply it, put protective spells around…”

Zecora sighed and took initiative since Twilight didn’t seem to get to the point anytime soon. “If she tries and help with the brews, my hut for now she can use.”

Twilight launched herself around Zecora’s neck. “Thank you! I knew you would help us… me.” She turned her gaze away from Zecora’s inquisitive look.

Oh what has Trixie done?! Twilight will never want to be her friend after everything Trixie did and it’s all Trixie’s fault. What should Trixie do? 

Trixie had been fretting over her actions in the past day while she was watching Twilight’s performance for the delegates. She wanted to apologize to her, but wasn’t sure how, or if she would be even forgiven.

Who am I kidding. I’m not great and powerful. It’s time to stop lying to myself. Twilight would have no use of me anyway. But I have to do it! Even if Twilight doesn’t forgive me, I need her to know how sorry I am.

She carefully made her way to the performance location and during the climax of Twilight’s routine, she used her magic to add fireworks.

“Trixie?” Twilight said taking notice after putting the animals down.

“It’s the least I could do. I treated you and your friends so horribly when I was wearing that Alicorn Amulet. I just couldn’t control myself. You can forgive me, can’t you?” Trixie said as sincerely as possible.

“Hmmm, sure,” Twilight said with a smile.

“Oh, good.” Trixie sighed in relief. “Don’t you think the Great and Apologetic Trixie is the most magnificent humble pony you’ve ever seen?!”

Twilight just smiled and shook her head as Trixie left in a puff of smoke, tripping once as she galloped away. Twilight debated for a moment before she decided to run after her. With everyone else distracted, they didn’t notice her leave. Trixie was running towards the Everfree forest, but the voice of her pursuer stopped her from entering just yet.

“Trixie! Wait a minute!” Twilight approached the former showpony. “I know you regret your actions, but I want to tell you that you’re not to blame. I don’t want our new friendship end this way.”

“What?” Trixie said with hope.

“Listen, I have set up arrangements with Zecora to let you live there until we have a new home for you in the forest where you can hide. What do you say?”

The blue mare was star struck and almost couldn’t believe her ears. She doesn't hate me after all! I can still be her friend! “What do I say? I would say I’ve never been happier before in my life. But, um…”

“What is it, Trixie?”

“I was wondering if you could… visit often? I would like to talk to you when I have the chance... Err, to teach me some magic of course! I still have a lot to learn, and this whole ordeal made me realize how little I really know.” In more ways than one.

“Well certainly. I can teach you a lot if that’s what you really want. Now how about I show you the way to Zecora’s hut? It’s going to take awhile to build that house.”

Twilight didn’t really know what was making her and Trixie act this way, but to be able to promise repeat visits and talks made her feel strange. It felt right to her.

It felt good.