Ponyville's crystalline tree-castle was alive with chatter that day. How could it not be, with two good friends just enjoying a lovely cup of afternoon tea? Och, and the tales were the best kind! Adventure, deception, danger, beautiful alicorns! It was like one of Rarity's horrid sappy novels, except real and with better writing! Oops, let me mend that wall for you.
Truthfully, Trixie could scarcely even remember a day so normal. No horrific catastrophes, no blunders or misadventures, just her, Twilight and some tea with a side of gossip. There was that nagging fear at the back of her mind, saying everything was too perfect, but what did it know? Everything would most certainly be fine, of that, she was certain.
It was then, that reality came knocking on the castle's gate. Somehow, the sound could travel through the structure almost unhindered, audible above all else. There was some rustling as Spike probably opened the door, then rapid hoofsteps on the staircase. With a look at each other, the two magical ponies rose from their seats and went to meet the new arrival.
They met her at the top of the staircase, gasping for breath. Even through the tattered cloak, Trixie could easily make out her features. Earrings and other small baubles, coupled with a striped coat of black and white. Only one creature possessed such a strangely alluring combination in these parts. Zecora, steward of the Everfree forest. The zebra, still panting heavily, said:
"Twilight, hah, Sparkle! I bring news most dire, worse than last year's fire!"
The showpony had always found her way of speaking utmost fascinating. If anything, her mannerisms belied her vast intelligence and vocabulary. Stringing together rhymes without skipping a beat was truly a feat. Twilight replied, already obviously nervous:
"What happened, Zecora?!"
"It is utmost tragic! The amulet is gone, stolen by magic!"
The princess gasped, but Trixie just froze in place. She, of all ponies, knew what amulet she was talking about only too well.
They galloped deep into the Everfree, throwing caution to the wind. So many things were at stake, after all. The further they went, the grander the plants became, often sporting dizzying displays of colour, or simply growing larger than their more tame counterparts. At last, they reached what must have been the mightiest of them all.
The mighty tree was unlike anything she had ever seen. Its trunk was as large as a house, its incredible roots easily thicker than her. She suddenly felt like a miniscule, powerless rodent, hoping to find shelter. Zecora was unfazed and made her way into the network of roots. They followed and she soon led them to the base of the tree. A small hole between the roots was visible, large enough for a trinket of forbidden power. Her horn tingled intensely as the zebra spoke:
"Here is where it last lay, safe, out of the way. The mighty roots have powers arcane, and yet, the thief brought their bane," she pointed towards a patch of withered wood, crumbling into dust, as if drained of life, "dark magic was used to make the wood wither. This foe had stopped at nothing to come hither."
"Zecora," the princess spoke, "we need to find it immediately. Can we somehow track the amulet?"
"The artefact is a devious thing, no trace does it leave or bring. However, our thief may not be in luck! The foul taint of dark arts on his clothes is stuck."
"Got it," Trixie called out, already closing her eyes, "we can use our horns to track him!"
"Indeed you must, before the trail is hidden by dust!"
It took her a while to phase out the various sounds, scents and magic of the Everfree. But then, she could make out something. The remnants of foul energy. Even sensing it made her stomach feel uneasy. Once she knew what to look for, it was relatively easy to chart a path through their surroundings and back into the forest. Her concentration was broken when Twilight spoke:
"I can feel it... but, there's something strange."
Trixie's expression was worried:
"What do you mean?"
"I've... felt this before. This magic. I think I've already met this unicorn."
"Well, it's either someone you knew gone foul or an old acquaintance come for some payback. Whatever the case may be, we need to find and stop them."
"Trixie is right, lest they manage to misuse their newfound might!"
Twilight nodded with a look of grim determination. The hunt was on.
Surprisingly, however, the trail did not lead towards the outskirts of the forest. Rather, it snaked its way to a different part of the horrid woods. Twilight and Trixie walked side-by-side, each making sure the other did not lose track. Zecora spoke, while keeping watch for any local dangers:
"The two of you make quite a pair. We are sure to find the fiend's lair."
Twilight chuckled:
"Yup, we make a good team. Much better than before."
"Yes, heh, before." Trixie's smile and giggle were nervous.
"What's wrong?"
"It's just... my past always seems to come bite me in the rump."
"What do you mean?"
"Equestria to Sparkle," she gave the princess a light bump on the head, "have you forgotten what we're looking for? I'm the whole reason the blasted amulet is even in these parts!"
"You mean, as opposed to being in the hooves of a collector with extremely lacking safety standards?"
"Well, I... when you put it that way, I guess it could be worse."
"You must not let such thoughts trouble your mind," Zecora walked up next to them, "they serve to only keep you in a bind."
"I've already gotten over things," mostly thanks to a certain shape-shifting mischief-maker, "I guess I'm just getting tired of it, you know?"
"In that case, put your mind at ease by catching this crook with... with..."
"Ahah! Finally, you can't make a rhyme!"
Zecora looked just a tad bit irritated. The three then burst out into chuckles, before resuming their tracking.
It did not take them long to reach their destination. The crumbling ruin that had once been the capital of Equestria. If there was an archetype for a haunted structure, the castle was it. Malformed, weathered statues watched over the entrance gate, guardians from a bygone age. Trixie made one more sweep with her horn, but there was no doubt about it. The trail lead inside and she could already feel a more intense concentration of dark power within. The crook was inside.
With only a nod to each other, the trio entered, the castles gates creaking horribly due to centuries-old rust. The entrance hall still managed to carry an air of grandeur. Despite its many cobwebs, torn banners and crumbling architecture, its sheer size was still awe-inspiring. A small town could have fit inside without too many problems.
They only managed to make a few steps before the door was shut behind them. It was then that Trixie finally realised how dark the place was. With its braziers and torches unlit, light could only stream inside through several stained-glass windows, and even those were dirty due to neglect. Immediately, her horn alerted her to the presence of new magic. Her gut told her its attributes. A cloud of black smoke suddenly swirled around a nearby pillar and flew across the hall. All three of them assumed battle stances as the smoke gathered in the distance. A voice, deep, male, came from nowhere, yet everywhere:
"You arrive at last. I was growing impatient."
Twilight's eyes grew wide:
"That voice..."
The cloud swirled once more, forming into a distinct shape. The stallion was large, his coat a dark grey, his mane black like a moonless night. Wrapped in suit of armour, a crimson, royal cape was draped over his back. His most distinct features were a jagged, blood red horn and his green eyes, which shone with a malevolent, violet glow. The most eye-catching, however, was the winged amulet tied around his neck. The former king gave a slight bow:
"We meet once more," the last word was said mockingly, "Princess."
"Sombra!"
"Not even going to add the title? Has Princess Celestia taught you nothing about proper etiquette?"
"I am sorry, I was under the impression your reign of terror had ended."
"Hmph, technicalities. With this," he lifted the alicorn amulet with one hoof, "my dominion shall spread far and wide! Starting, I think, with that little town of yours."
"Not if we stop you first!" Trixie joined in, taking a spot right next to Twilight.
"Two fillies against the power I now wield? I'll take you up on that challenge!"
A maniacal laughter filled the hall as the fallen monarch charged into battle, his horn shining with dark energy. Twilight spread her wings and rose into the air, immediately raining down a barrage of magical bolts. Sombra avoided them by once again turning into smoke, then rose to meet her in the air. She attempted to ward him off with a barrier, but the king was swift and managed to sneak past her defences. Trixie could hear a muffled yelp, before Twilight plummeted down to the ground and the cloud descended before her. Sombra manifested once more with a wicked grin:
"Checkmate," he looked up at her, the showpony's face equal parts rage and worry. Her horn was ready to fire off an offensive spell. He replied, his voice suddenly shaky, "s-save your breath, filly. I'm not your biggest c-concern now."
With that, he suddenly collapsed onto the ground with a pain-filled wail, once again turning into smoke. Being so close, Trixie finally noticed something flying within the cloud. A single, small, violet crystal. The smoke seemed to emanate from it and it glowed whenever he spoke:
"Just in the nick of time, ugh."
"What sort of trickery is this?!"
The zebra seemed to understand:
"He is weak, broken. It is a miracle that he was able to awoken."
"Quite. This last little gem is all I have left. Just enough strength to get my revenge."
"What are you," it was then that she noticed something. Something missing, "oh no. Please, no."
"Yeeeeesssss," he hissed like a snake, before once again taking flight in his mist, "after all, it's not called the alicorn amulet for nothing, heheh! Hahahaahahahahah!"
His laughter spread through the lonely castle like a virus. It sent shivers down Trixie's spine and made her entire digestive system feel uneasy. And then, another shout came:
"Silence!"
A massive ray of energy engulfed what remained of the fallen king, yet the laughter did not stop, rather, it merged with a final, painful wail. Then, there was silence. Absolute, horrifying silence as a bit of crystalline dust floated to the ground. Trixie managed to take a step closer, her entire body shivering, and said:
"Twilight?"
"I get it now," her voice was different, "I can finally see why you found this so intoxicating," the purple alicorn turned, sporting a wicked grin and an innate, crimson glow in her eyes, "the power, the possibilities! It's simply incredible!"
For whatever reason, the amulet seemed to be working its corruption more rapidly. Her horn flashed as she stomped her front hooves and the entire area hook in a series of violent quakes. A few of remaining stone guardians came crashing down, while the zebra and the showpony had to fight to stay upright. Finally, the tremors subsided and those crimson eyes looked over them:
"Heheh, this strength! Not even Tirek could compare with me now!"
"Be that as it may," Zecora jumped closer, her voice pleading, "the amulet leads you astray! Please, come to your senses, otherwi-aaack!"
Out of nowhere, an invisible force crashed into the zebra and sent her flying through the air. She impacted a wall and slid down onto the ground, unconscious. Trixie called out:
"Zecora!"
"I don't need any more lectures from the likes of you! I am supreme now! I am the essence of magic!"
The light of the afternoon sun faded, the sky growing dark in the blink of an eye. Bolts of violet lightning crackled around the alicorn, burning through solid stone wherever they landed. Trixie called out to her friend:
"Twilight! You have to stop this!"
"Is that so? And if I do not, hmm? What are you going to do about it, Lulamoon?"
"I..." it was the first thing that came to mind, though she knew her chances. Nonetheless, with grim determination, she finished her sentence, "I challenge you to a duel."
The other cackled, before bursting out laughing. Then, those crimson eyes narrowed as she answered:
"Very well. And as a courtesy, you have the first shot."
She sighed, then concentrated. She gathered her strength over several seconds, her horn lighting up intensely due to the magic. She put all she had into the attack spell and fired. The ray was the largest she had ever conjured, by far. It was therefore especially disheartening when Twilight swatted it aside without even blinking. An explosion consumed one of the still-standing guardians as the alicorn spoke, her voice cold:
"That's all? Well, then, my turn!"
For purely dramatic effect, Twilight rose into the air and made a mighty flap with her wings. Trixie mustered some form of defence, to no avail. The unseen force crashed into her like a tidal wave, crushing her barrier like a fly and sending her tumbling a few dozen metres. Beaten, bruised, and breathless, she nonetheless managed to somehow get back on her hooves. The Element of Magic hovered closer with a wicked grin:
"You didn't really think you could do anything, did you? You're just a pathetic, worthless dropout," the words cut into Trixie like a knife, "considering yourself my rival is an insult! You couldn't beat me with the amulet, and now our positions are reversed!"
Twilight continued her megalomaniacal rant, but Trixie wasn't really listening. Twilight was right. She, or well, they had beaten Trixie. Without using even a speck of magic. And while trickery was not an option in her current state, there was another way. A different sort of magic. She stood proud, or well, at least tried to, and shouted back:
"You call yourself so great and mighty, yet I still stand!"
"Don't test my temper, Lulamoon. I could destroy you with a single thought!"
"Do it, then! Or is the Great and Powerful Twilight Sparkle just a hoax?"
"How dare you," the area shook once again, "fine! You signed your death warrant!"
Even from a distance, she could feel the raw arcane power that Twilight gathered for the attack. With a roar, the princess released a blast of energy and Trixie closed her eyes, doubt filling her mind in what could be her last moments. It seemed to last an eternity, but finally, her horn vibrated as the blast passed inches away from her mane, close enough to singe a few loose strands of hair. She opened her eyes. The alicorn was furious:
"What sort of defensive spell was that?!"
"I didn't use any."
"Impossible! You should have been utterly obliterated!"
"Perhaps," she took a step closer, "you missed on purpose."
"Nonsense! I'll prove it!"
Another deadly ray flew through the air next to her, obliterating part of a pillar. Trixie took another few steps and the princess shouted:
"No, impossible! Stay away!"
"Not a chance. Because I'm fighting for a friend," with added confidence, she started walking continuously, "and I don't intend to lose," they met gazes and Twilight was suddenly glued to the spot. Tears rolled down the showpony's face, "I won't lose. Not after having to leave school once my grandparents died and I couldn't keep up with payments. Not after I spent a few years growing more bitter and smug with each passing day," she had to stop for a few moments to wipe the tears away, "not after a wonderful pony forgave me and showed me the magic of friendship," she was close now, almost face-to-face. Twilight was shaking, "I refuse to lose you to some stupid trinket. So please, Twilight, come back to me... come back to all of us!"
With that, she threw herself into a hug. The alicorn's shivers intensified and she stammered:
"N-no. No. I am supreme. I am," suddenly, her eyes turned pure white and Trixie could feel a more familiar sort of magic fill the area, "your friend!"
The ground shook again, but Trixie did not let go. Instead, she held on even more tightly. A new sound suddenly reached her ears. It was miniscule when compared to the castle's very foundations shaking, but there nonetheless. The sound of a gem cracking. Blinding light filled the area. She closed her eyes and kept holding. Soon enough, the light and the tremors both faded and a pair of hooves wrapped themselves around her.
Twilight was crying. Twilight should not have been crying. The thought of Twilight crying made her want to cry more. She tightened her hug, probably to the point where it became uncomfortable, and spoke, a smile forming on her lips:
"There, it's okay. You're back."
Twilight could barely even speak:
"I, hah, I s-said such, hah, such horrid things."
"It wasn't you. The Twilight I know is the kindest pony in all of Equestria. So, come on. Turn that frown upside down. For me."
She let the princess out of her vice-like grip and looked her in the eyes. They were still teary, but her lips were curled into a faint smile. Everything was right again.
Zecora's hut was a strangely quaint place. Oh, sure the countless tribal masks, doodads and other decorations were a bit off-putting at first. But they also filled the place with so many colours and intricate shapes, not to mention giving a bit of exotic charm. For the owner, however, they were far more than just little design choices. They were a reminder of home.
The zebra in question gathered a steaming liquid from her cauldron into a trio of bowls, before placing them onto the table in front of her guests. Trixie sniffed and almost licked her lips afterwards. It smelled heavenly. Zecora sat down next to them, visibly quite ready to dig in:
"This meal soothes body and spirit both. So eat hearty, it will aid your growth!"
Trixie blew at the soup a few times, took a sip, then emitted a delighted 'Mmm!', before taking another. Zecora shared her enthusiasm, but Twilight seemed a bit distant, her mind preoccupied. She followed the alicorn's gaze to the remains of the wicked amulet. It was little more than an accessory at that point, its gem of power broken into a thousand shards. The showpony commented:
"What's wrong, Twi?"
"Oh, sorry. I was just thinking."
"About?"
"About what we know about the amulet. It is, or well, was an ancient artefact, for sure, by all accounts dating back to the beginning of pony civilization. I'm just wondering why someone would create something like it. A power focus that warps your mind? Seems rather strange as a design choice."
"The hunger for power has always been strong. If the heart is already tainted, one could do no wrong."
Trixie nodded:
"I personally can easily imagine someone like Sombra crafting it without issue."
"I suppose you're right," she sighed and finally turned to her soup, "phew, quite the day we've had, eh?"
"Indeed, friend. But it all worked out in the end."
"I believe it's time for a saying quite classic. Friendship is magic."
Trixie frowned:
"That one was a bit of a stretch, wasn't it?"
"Thinking it is easy to rhyme should be a crime."
"Just a little teasing among friends, Zecora," she giggled.
"Oh, I am by no means angry, perhaps just still hungry. I have however noticed something grand, it involves the two mares at hand," Trixie wondered what exactly a 'hand' was, "you two have become friends to the core," she suddenly put on a mischievous grin, "or perhaps, something more?"
Princess and showpony met gazes and lingered for a few seconds, before turning away, blushing.
It was Zecora's turn to giggle.