//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: The Greatest and Most Powerful. Part 3 // Story: Ponies of the Five Rings // by Simon_oSullivan //------------------------------// General Rover walked next to his old friend and trusted Lieutenant Fido, both closely followed by a squadron of Diamond Dogs that they were leading. Fallen branches and leaves snapped under their steps, causing nearby creatures to flee, but Rover didn’t care about that at all. After a couple of hours of walking, they had reached Canabulum, the capital city of their former kingdom back when they were free creatures. “You haven’t said a word since we left, Rover.” Fido glanced at his friend. “Something bothers you, I know it.” Rover sighed deeply, lowering her head. “Look at us, Fido... just look at us!” he grunted, opening his arms. “When I see this city, I remember all we had. And what do we have now? Nothing! We had our rivalries with the buffaloes, but when that Discord fell from the sky, he helped us to expel our enemies from our land. However...” Rover gestured at the dogs behind them. “You disagree with him being our ruler. I know, my friend, but what can we do?” “Again, nothing!” Rover cried, piercing the ground with his spear. “We are slaves, Fido! Slaves! Pawns used to fight and die against an Empire of ponies! And now we have to use Oblivion’s Gate to bring back a dead pony for who knows what!” “But you’re going to do it, right?” inquired Fido bluntly, glaring at Rover with his arms crossed in from of him. Rover leaned on a building, letting out a long sigh. “Do I have any other choice? I may want to bring back our former glory, but I just can’t fight Discord.” “Then wait until the time comes,” warned Fido. “A rebellion is not something we can afford, and most of the other Diamond Dogs prefer the barbaric lives they’ve been offered by their new Master.” “There it is, Oblivion’s Gate!” Rover and Fide turned at the cry of one of the grunts, rushing back to the squadron who was standing in front of a large stone ring resembling a hollow mirror. Rover walked closer to it, coming to stand motionless at the magnificence of such a powerful legacy of what had been the Diamond Dog race more than a millennium ago. “We’d better get this done as soon as possible,” said Fido as he took some components out of a bag. “We don’t want Discord to become impatient.” “If we could summon our fallen heroes we may be able to-” “Now is not the time, Rover,” repeated Fido with a grunt. “Be patient, the time will come.” Rover nodded as he took the tokens from Fido’s hands. With a loud whistle, the squadron spread around the gate, their spears smashing the ground rhythmically. Fido started chanting a spell in their native language as Rover threw salt and pebbles, making symbols on the floor. The other Diamond Dogs joined Fido, creating a cacophony of unintelligible screams and guttural voices. As Rover drew the last symbol, a rift appeared in the middle of the gate. At the sight of it, the others chanted even louder, smashing their spears even harder, and jumping frantically. The louder the noise became, the wider the rift formed until it covered the whole gate, opening a portal that joined the Mortal Realm with the Realm of the Dead. Rover grabbed a scepter, gritting his teeth in frustration. It was the perfect opportunity to summon their heroes, but he knew Fido was right. The time would come, and he’d do anything he must to witness Discord’s fall then. However, duty called. “Hoity Toity!” screamed Rover with all the strength his lungs allowed him in order to be heard over the loud chants. “I summon you to walk among mortals once more!” The rift roiled in the air as thunder and light swirled around in an erratic storm inside the gate. As the ritual came to an end, the stone ring shone with a sickening emerald glow as the whirlwind formed inside it. The cries intensified as a four-legged creature materialized inside. Finally, as the pony was expelled from the rift, it snapped shut with a sharp crack. As soon as Hoity Toity landed violently on the ground, a deep silence invaded the place. He shook his head before looking around him to see the Mortal Realm with disbelief. “Wha… what happened?” Hoity stuttered. “Where am I?” He looked forward and saw the Diamond Dog squadron with their two leaders, making him jump back. “No! Leave me alone!” “Silence, pony,” Rover snarled, raising both hands as a sign of peace. “We brought you back from the dead. You walk among mortals once more.” “I’m… I’m alive?” Hoity tapped his hoof on the ground, noticing the earth under him, like the soil in the Jewel gardens. “Why have you done this?” “Our master is interested in having a word with you, Hoity Toity,” replied Rover with his arms crossed in front of him. “Follow us to his castle.” “And why should I follow your orders, mongrel?” spat Hoity Toity as he caressed his sword’s hilt, which had returned along with him through the gate. “I am one of the most influential ponies on Equestria, as well as a student of the best sword fighting academy of my clan!” The other Diamond Dogs lowered their spears, positioning themselves around Hoity. “Listen, pony,” growled Rover as he approached the now horrified Hoity. “We have to get you to our master’s lair, but that doesn’t mean we can’t hurt you a bit… or a lot if you don’t collaborate. He didn’t say anything about how to take you.” He looked at his soldiers, who started barking and howling victorious. “To the castle, soldiers!” Hoity lowered his head, following the Diamond Dogs as some of them guided him by prodding him with their spears.   -o- The six clan leaders had ventured inside the Everfree Forest as the challenge demanded. Everypony donned in their best armors and wielded their most powerful weapons or spells available, ready for anything. Big Macintosh had given each of them a jade hoof to protect them from the foul influence of the Taint, and from Trixie’s dark magic, or so they hoped. “Ah didn’t know that Spike was the bearer of the Ancestral Sword of the Lore,” said Applejack in an attempt of breaking the uncomfortable silence. “That should come in handy if they attack.” “Spike wields the Ancestral Sword of the Lore?!” gasped Rarity. “Is that true?” “Hey, I also have one of those too!” replied Rainbow Dash as she showed the scabbard hanging on her side. “Bravery, the Ancestral Sword of the Rainbow.” “Ah thought you only used your clan founder’s bow.” Applejack raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “Yeah, the bow is actually something more of a token that represents the clan’s leadership,” explained Rainbow Dash. “It’s still an awesome weapon, but from what I heard, I decided to bring Bravery with me.” She tapped the sword’s hilt with a confident smile. “This baby will slay Trixie for sure!” “Where are the other Ancestral Swords?” asked Twilight, looking at the other ponies. “Well,” started Fluttershy. “I… I have our sword, but it’s kept safe at my house. We don’t have any swordponies skilled enough to use it, and I prefer this sang kauw to fight, so it’s kept in a safe place.” “Mah brother wields our clan’s sword,” pointed out Applejack. “But he’s so used to fighting with his jade tetsubo, that he doesn’t need it, though. Besides, no Apple soldier would dare to use it to fight the Everfree Forest. If they don’t use their swords, imagine how loathe they are to using our Ancestral Sword.” “I gave our sword to Pokey, the master of our Twin Blades Dojo!” said Pinkie with a huge smile. “He’s the best swordpony of our clan, and I’m sure he’ll use it well!” “What a coincidence, darling!” admitted Rarity. “Our clan’s sword is at our Swift Strike dojo. It goes from master to master since recorded history.” “Isn’t it strange that those swords spend most of the time unused?” pointed out Twilight as she listened to her friends. “I mean, I’m sure that the Fortune of Steel forged them for us to use them. Maybe he granted them some special powers according to our clan’s duties.” “Special powers? Like what?” asked Rainbow Dash out of curiosity. “I don’t know. From what you’ve told me,” started Twilight, “the swords have been treated as tokens of leadership and status, so that makes me think that their purpose and powers had been lost in time. However, I’m sure a little bit of research will reveal their secrets. Maybe the Ancestral Sword of the Apple was forged to fight the creature of the Everfree Forest, for example.” They all became silent as they got to the forest, walking cautiously and keeping close to each other. Most of them showed signs of fear, uncomfortable for being there, save for Applejack and Rainbow Dash. However, even the Apple Leader, who was used to fight creatures from the Forest, didn’t seem so confident. “If we can beat her quick enough, we’ll go back to see the awesome parade in our honor!” boasted Rainbow Dash, her voice full of confidence. “That won’t happen, Dash,” replied Applejack with a sour tone. “If mah brother is so worried, then Trixie must have become really powerful. Besides, bloodspeakers shouldn’t be taken lightly.” “Applejack’s right,” seconded Twilight. “She is much more powerful than before, she may be able to overwhelm us if we don’t have a strategy.” “Well, I hope you have something in mind, darling.” Rarity looked around nervously. “Because I lack the fighting experience you all have, and I was still forced to come here.” “There could still be hope, though,” replied Twilight. “She may think too much of herself, and what happened on the wall this morning might have been mostly showing off as she used to do in Equestria.” “I hope you’re right,” admitted Rarity, sighing deeply. “Me too, Rarity,” said Twilight. She turned back to address Fluttershy, noticing her friend’s sadness and nervous glances at the other ponies. “Hey, Fluttershy, are you okay?” asked Pinkie Pie as she looked at her friend. “You look kinda blue.” “It’s nothing, Pinkie,” replied Fluttershy in a low voice. “Sure it’s something! Come on, tell us!” Pinkie insisted. The rest of the group stopped to look back at the two ponies. “I… I don’t want to fight anymore,” confessed Fluttershy. “I… I fought when I saw the undead that attacked us the day I saw Trixie, but… It’s a feeling I don’t like.” Only Rainbow Dash didn’t gasp in shock to what she said, checking the surroundings for any trails that would reveal Trixie’s position. “But you’re a monk like me, Fluttershy,” comforted Pinkie. “You follow the teachings of the Wing, and your Empire needs you more than ever.” She caressed her friend’s mane, getting Fluttershy to smile back weakly. “I’m sure there was a reason to make you fight, and I bet that you can fight again if you keep the reason close to you. What made you fight?” “I… I saw what she did to the bunnies,” Fluttershy said, looking down. “She killed them, sacrificed them for a horrible ritual. I couldn’t stand it. They hadn’t done anything wrong, and they suffered a cruel fate. I don’t want to live in a world where monsters like Trixie cause so much harm to the innocent.” “And that’s an honorable purpose to fight for, my friend,” said Twilight, who stood behind Pinkie. “Y’all know what mah brother always says?” asked Applejack. “He always says ‘If you want peace, prepare for war’.” “And that means…” said Fluttershy, looking at her friends in an attempt to make them explain it to her. “It means that, in order to live a peaceful life, you have to be ready to fight for it,” explained Twilight, followed by Applejack’s nod. “If you have enemies that want to mess with you, they won’t dare to attack if they know you can fight back and beat them.” “If you say so…” mumbled Flutteshy, looking away from them. “From what you said, I’m sure you’ll fight her,” confirmed Pinkie Pie. “You have so many creatures to protect. Your heart is noble, Fluttershy. That’s what makes you a good leader and, as a fellow monk, I can tell you that little else is needed to rule. You’re not alone, we’ll fight her together!” She peered around the clearing, only seeing her friends and the forest trees, even though the place was the right one. “If she decides to come, that is.” “Wait, maybe this was just a trap to attack the Empire without us to defend it!” cried Rainbow Dash, as she took off towards the Diamond Bulwark. “Dash!” commanded Applejack. “If she attacks, we have the wall well protected.” “That’s right, dear,” seconded Rarity. “I brought the Gemmed Gallants with me, and I gave them orders to defend the wall with the Apple if they attack. I had them as escort, though. I am a courtier, not a warrior.” “And Spike is there too,” added Twilight. “He wanted to come desperately to fight Trixie himself, but I was able to convince him to stay at the wall.” Pinkie Pie raised a hoof, making the other ponies to stop walking. She stared at the depths of the forest ash she jumped, landing on her hind legs. “She’s close, I can feel her.” “Jade won’t protect you from Trixie’s powers, foals!” Trixie roared as a fire pillar surged from under a tree, bursting into blue flames. Pouncing towards the six ponies, Trixie landed a few feet away from them, baring her sharp fangs menacingly. “The Great and Powerful Trixie is pleased to see that you haven’t run away like she expected you to,” Trixie insulted arrogantly. “Even though the only ones who should suffer Trixie’s wrath are the Apple and Lore leaders,” she continued as she pointed with her claws to both ponies, “Trixie thought that the other leaders should witness the new powers that she wields in order to let Equestria know that her future ruler won’t tolerate such behavior!” “And who told you that we’d let you hurt our friends?”Rainbow Dash growled with a smirk. “A pony pony like you wants to be the first to challenge Trixie’s powers?” Trixie mocked, openly laughing at Dash’s comment. “Okay, who will go after I get rid of the gullible pegasus?” She looked at the other ponies, her gaze landing on Fluttershy. “How about you, Wilderness? Do you want Trixie to send you to be with your bunny friends?” Fluttershy gritted her teeth, letting out a guttural growl. “You won’t hurt another single defenseless creature while I live!” Trixie snorted softly as she caressed her front leg with her claw. “Trixie can fix that rather easily.” “We’ll see about that,” replied Pinkie, swinging her meteor hammer.   -o- “We’re home, Mommy!” called Dinky as she walked inside her house, followed closely by Pipsqueak. “Hello, my sweet!” replied Derpy from the kitchen. “Dinner’s almost ready. I’ll be with both of you when I’m done. Take a seat and relax.” “Thanks, Mom!” “Thank you, Miss Derpy,” said Pipsqueak. “Oh, is it you, Pipsqueak?” asked Derpy cheerfully. “I’m glad we can finally talk to each other! I’m looking forward to getting to know you!” “Uhm, thanks, Miss Derpy,” “Come on, Pipsqueak, let’s sit down,” suggested Dinky as they both entered the dining room. An uncomfortable silence reigned. Both ponies looked at each other, giggling and blushing lightly. Pipsqueak tapped softly the table with his hoof while Dinky looked at the open door that lead to the kitchen, listening to Derpy humming a sweet tune. “So, we’re… you know, ready to become adult samurai in a couple of days,“ mentioned Pipsqueak in order to break the silence. “Heh, yeah, I’m looking forward to it,” admitted Dinky with a smile. “But I thought monks weren’t samurais.” “Usually we aren’t,” confirmed Pipsqueak. “However, most Party monks are warriors too, so those of us to train to fight as well as taking care of the temples have the chance to do our own gempukku.” “What’s it like to be a monk?” inquired Dinky. “None of you are samurai, yet courtiers, summoners and warriors alike respect you as if you were one of us.” “Well, we take care of the shrines and are considered wise ponies from whom you can learn a lot,” explained Pipsqueak. ”It’s a bit complex, but we are respected by samurais, even though we have technically the same social status as peasants.” “And what about what I saw earlier today? Is that common among monks?” “You mean the techniques? I think so, at least I’ve seen Pinkie and Lyra do them too,” replied Pipsqueak. “Most ponies think that we emulate summoner magic, even though the means we use are different. On one hoof, you summoners can speak with the elemental spirits, while us monks attune our souls with the elements to perform them.” “Do you think you’ll pass the gempukku?“ ”Of course I will!” replied Pipsqueak vigorously. “I’m sure of it, even if I decide not to use any techniques!” “Are you sure you’re not being a little bit arrogant there, dear?” insisted Dinky, worried. “It’s more about pride,” corrected Pipsqueak. ”We can use them, but only if the technique or spell is related to the trial. I can use them in the armed combat, for example. Anyways, I won’t risk my trial with that, but I’ll only use them if I really need to.” “Yeah, I’m sure you’ll have no problem, being athletic and physically trained, but I’m a summoner,” said Dinky, sounding defeated. ”I have no experience among military fields and know nothing about fighting, and several trials are about combat. I know it’s a huge honor to have been chosen to participate on the Celestial Tournament, but I think it may a bit too much for me. I’d prefer the usual trials that the Lore clan has for us.” “I don’t know much about this tournament,” admitted Pipsqueak with a shrug. “I also thought that I was going to get the usual trials as Lyra and Pinkie had to pass. What makes this one different from the others?” “Well, the Celestial Tournament, from what Twilight told me,” started Dinky, “is a special competition hosted by the Empresses at the Imperial Palace. It’s a gempukku trial that covers every single aspect of what a samurai is. Aside from that, we winner of the sword fighting championship that takes place after the gempukku becomes the Celestial Champion, earning great fame and prestige, with a change of becoming an Imperial Guard.” Pipsqueak stared at her with his eyes wide open. “We are going to be at the Imperial Palace?” “Yeah, but I don’t feel confident about it. I don’t know too much about fighting and, even though It’s true that we only need to pass at least five trials out of ten, it still sounds way harder than I could be able to handle.” “Don’t be so pessimistic, Dinky,” comforted Pipsqueak, caressing her hoof. “If Twilight thinks you can do it, I’m sure you’ll pass without problems. I’m sure Twilight made you study really hard.”He looked at the opened door to check what Derpy was doing before leaning forward towards Dinky’s ear, whispering to her. “Pinkie told me that Twilight is a bit of a bookworm.” Dinky snorted softly as she shoved him away gently. “Yes, she’s right. I think she’s read every single book and scroll in the library, and there are thousands of them.” “Well, talking about the trial is interesting but I’m curious about what would you do when it’s over. What do you plan on doing when you become a full-fledged summoner?”asked Pipsqueak with interest. “Do you have something on your mind already?” “Well, actually I do,” replied Dinky with a smile. “I’ve studied a lot of etiquette aside from magic, and I hope I’ll be able to become a spy just like my mom, but using magic instead. How about you, Pip? What do you want to do?” “Oh, I have most of it planned already!”replied Pipsqueak as the enthusiasm possessed him. ”I’ll go on a pilgrimage around Equestria and far beyond our lands, helping those in need and fighting evil wherever I find it! I’ll see those kingdoms that only books and stories tell us about! I’ll become a legend that will be remembered for centuries to come!” “Oh… I see.” Dinky’s smile slowly faded as she lowered her head. “Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?” “No, it’s just that…”started Dinky. ”I’d prefer if you stayed here in Equestria, that’s all.” “Why? Don’t you want to feel proud of me?” “Pipsqueak, it’s not that, I…I don’t want to lose you, that’s what worries me,” confessed Dinky. ”My dad Cloudcaller was a prestigious Rainbow shugenja. He…” Dinky stopped talking for a second, her face showing signs of sorrow and grief. “He was sent to aid the Apple during the last bloodspeaker assault several years ago. Even though we successfully defended the Bulwark, my father died. The bloodspeaker cast a noxious spell on him, and they couldn’t save him.” “I’m… I’m sorry, Dinky, I didn’t know.” Pipsqueak surrounded her with her forelegs, hugging her tightly and kissing her forehead tenderly. “Mom and I grieved  for a long time,” continued Dinky, hugging Pipsqueak as he leaned close to her. “Big Macintosh came to our house personally to bring us my dad’s belongings. He told us that he fought bravely and saved a lot of Apple soldiers with his magic. Big Macintosh also brought us gifts and came to visit my mom and me from time to time to check on us. My dad’s name is still revered among the Apple, but…” Dinky trailed off, trying in vain to release herself from Pipsqueak’s hug. “But?” repeated Pipsqueak, opening her forelegs, letting her go. “But I didn’t want that, Pip. Honor, glory, prestige… I didn’t want any of that! I wanted my dad! I would’ve traded every single bit of family glory that was brought here in order to see my daddy once more! And now…” Dinky covered her eyes with her hooves, holding the tears back. ”And now you want to leave to go on adventures and leave me. I may lose you too!” “You won’t lose me, I promise!” Pipsqueak grabbed her cheeks, leaning his forehead on hers, smiling tenderly. ”I have to return to tell you the stories I’ll surely have to share.” “I know it’s a horrible thing for me to do, but please,” begged Dinky. “Please, don’t leave me, don’t go on risky adventures!” “But Dinky, I –” “You don’t know what losing a loved one feels like!” cried Dinky with a mixture of anger and sorrow. “True,” admitted Pipsqueak, turning his face away from Dinky. “But that’s because I don’t know where or who my parents are, so it doesn’t hurt if you hadn’t grown fond of them.” Dinky’s face turned pale, looking down at the table as her anger turned into shame. They hadn’t talked much about their past, but in the heat of the argument, she forgot Pipsqueak’s parent issue. “Please, please, young ones,” called Derpy as she carried a tray full of homemade pastries and a bottle of soft sake with three cups. “Sorry, Miss Derpy, I didn’t mean to –” apologized Pipsqueak, interrupted by the tray’s sound against the table. “No need to apologize, dear,” insisted Derpy. “My beloved daughter is worried about your well-being. But that’s not a reason to thwart anypony’s dreams.” “But Mom!” cried Dinky. “I’m not finished, muffin,” scolded Derpy gently with a smile before sitting in front of the two ponies.”There are different ways to get what you both want. First of all, your past as foals will not be important anymore.” She turned to Pipsqueak first, leaning her hoof on his shoulder. “You, Pip, have trained hard to become a monk that the Party Clan should be proud of, no matter who or what your parents were. A monk leaves his previous life behind as soon as he joins an order.” She then turned to her daughter, with a tender smile. “You, my beloved muffin, have studied hard to become a great summoner, just like your father was. Wherever he is, he must be proud of you.” “That’s true,” seconded Pipsqueak, leaning forward on the table. “And a void summoner no less, the rarest of all!” “But that doesn’t solve my problem, Mom,” complained Dinky. “Pipsqueak,” said Derpy without losing her smile. “You want to become famous, a legend among pony folk, am I right?” “That’s right, Miss Derpy,” replied Pipsqueak proudly. “And you, Dinky,” continued Derpy as she looked at her daughter. “You want him to be safe and close to you, right?” “Yes, Mom,” answered Dinky with her head lowered. “It’s easier than you both think, my dear,” comforted Derpy. “Pipsqueak, why don’t you become Dinky’s bodyguard?” “Me? Her bodyguard?” “Why yes,” insisted Derpy. “It is true that it might look like a dull job depending on who you have to protect, and may not seem like the most heroic one. But you have to go wherever your charge has to go, so you’ll be able to travel,” she explained patiently. “Then, you have to protect her from harm, and those who are able to keep those whom they must defend safe and sound for decades are revered throughout the Empire!” “Really?!” Pipsqueak’s ears perked up with enthusiasm as he clapped excitedly. With a nod, she turned back at Dinky. “My dear, as a spy summoner you’ll have to travel wherever the magistrate you work for he’ll be needed, and a lot of places and ponies won’t be welcoming to you. You should always have a bodyguard with you in case that you need one.” “I guess you’re right, mom,” said Dinky with a broken smile. “Then it’s solved!” Derpy cheered, clapping with joy. “Now, I want to know something.” She looked at both ponies, who seemed a bit lost at her comment. Derpy had a rogue smile when she talked. “How long were you going to wait to tell me that you wanted to get married?” “Mom!” Dinky shouted in surprise as Pipsqueak stared with his eyes wide open. “What?” Derpy complained jokingly. “You know that there’s little I don’t know about the Empire, and I’ve been patient enough waiting for you to tell me the good news personally!” “Well, to be honest, Mom,” answered Dinky. “I wasn’t really sure if you liked Pipsqueak enough.” “I’m looking forward to calling this handsome stallion my son-in-law!” Derpy announced gleefully as Pipsqueak blushed a deep crimson. “If I wouldn’t have liked him, I would’ve said so earlier, my dear.” “I guess you’re right, mom,” admitted Dinky. “Okay, let’s start having dinner,” said Derpy. “You have much to tell me.”   -o- Trixie carefully inspected the six ponies in front of her, each one of them glaring in return. “Let’s get this over with,” growled Trixie as she mauled her right leg. She raised the bloody claw with a confident smile. “Who wants to die first?” “She’s prepared a spell!” warned Twilight to her friends. “Get ready for anything!” “Not if Ah stop her!” replied Applejack as she raised her hammer. “Ya’d better watch yerself!” Despite Twilight’s warnings, Applejack galloped furiously towards Trixie. “So be it, Apple,” mocked Trixie as she stepped back. “Trixie shall enjoy this.” Trixie pointed at Applejack with the resolution of an executioner as she murmured a few unintelligible words. Applejack sprinted even faster and tackled her, slamming her against a tree. However, after Trixie grunted, she still had her smile, and whispered in Applejack’s ear. “It’s too late for you.” Applejack raised her hammer, standing on her hind legs with the intention of smashing Trixie’s skull. As she swung her weapon though, she screamed in pain, dropping it. “Applejack!” Twilight yelled. “What’s happening!?” “It burns!” Applejack howled in pain once more, glaring at Trixie with blind rage, who had gotten up and was smiling sardonically at her. “Ah’ll get you for this!”Applejack cried as she tried to punch Trixie, but she twisted in pain again, landing onto her knees, gritting her teeth.”This feels like Ahm wearing an armor made of living fire! Twilight, do something!” “Crystal waves, healing rain, soothe this warrior’s pain!” Twilight chanted as her horn shone with an aquamarine glow. However, before Twilight could finish, Applejack stopped screaming, falling to the ground with a loud thud. “Applejack!” yelled Rainbow Dash as she rushed towards her friend. “Just a worthless warrior,” spat Trixie in disappointment. “Trixie thought she could handle that simple spell.” Rainbow Dash put her hoof on Applejack’s neck, searching desperately for her pulse. When she found it, she let out a long sigh of relief. “She’s still alive, girls!” Dash shouted before turning back to Trixie. “You, on the other hoof, won’t be able to say that!” “Try it, foal!” demanded Trixie, her forehooves spread wide in an open challenge. “Rarity, Pinkie!”  Dash called without looking back. “Take care of Applejack! Fluttershy, you’ll join the attack with me! Twilight, you’re support!” “Right!” her friends replied simultaneously, taking their respective places. Rarity and Pinkie rushed to Applejack’s side, the latter laying her hooves onto Applejack’s neck while whispering prayers. “Now’s not the time for that, Pinkie!” complained Rarity. “Didn’t you hear Rainbow Dash? She said she’s still –” “Alive, I know,” replied Pinkie as her hooves danced over Applejack’s armor. “What are you –” “She has suffered severe burnings,” Pinkie informed Rarity. “I’m channeling some of my spiritual energy to heal her. She won’t wake up until she gets some rest, though. But at least I think I can heal those bruises.“ ”Are you ready, Fluttershy?!” asked Rainbow Dash. “This is for Applejack and the bunnies! Fight for them!” “The bunnies…” repeated Fluttershy, clenching her sang kauw. She nodded in determination as she hovered next to Rainbow Dash. “Ready when you are!” “We’ll flank her,” explained Dash. “Even if she tries to attack one of us, the other one might be able to strike her. I’ll go for her right. Got it?” “Yes,” replied Fluttershy as both ponies dove against Trixie, letting out a battle cry. “For Equestria!” “Two at a time? How unfair,” complained Trixie before cackling. “No matter, Trixie can take care of all of you! Behold the power of the greatest Bloodspeaker you’ll ever meet!” With a piercing howl, Trixie waved her forehooves wildly at Fluttershy, who darted down to avoid the impending attack. The plan failed though, as Trixie raised her claw, summoning roots from the ground that trapped the low-flying Fluttershy. “It’s now or never!” said Rainbow Dash, unsheathing Bravery from its ancestral scabbard. With a wingover, Dash changed direction, diving at top speed, blade aimed for Trixie’s chest. With a swift wind under her wings, she was able to save Fluttershy from the incoming spell Trixie had cast by plunging the Ancestral Sword through her enemy’s chest. “There you have it!” cheered Rainbow Dash victoriously. “Up to the hilt!” Fluttershy breathed in relief as Twilight tried to dispel the thick, rotten roots. Dash’s smile faded as soon as a laugh sounded above her. Looking up, her eyes met with Trixie’s, who was smiling and showing almost no sign of pain. “Is this the best you’ve got, wimp?” Trixie challenged as she slapped Rainbow Dash with the back of her claw. Rainbow Dash threw herself up and into the air in order to avoid falling to the ground, but the horror in front of her left her standing motionless. Trixie stood on her hind legs, cackling maniacally with Bravery piercing her chest. “Can’t you see, foals?!” roared Trixie menacingly. “You cannot beat Trixie. Maho has made her immortal!” She levitated the sword out of her, throwing it to the ground with contempt. Twilight summoned the mystical powers of her magic once more, this time invoking a vortex around Trixie, who snorted in amusement at the new attempt. “Trixie can’t be caged! She cannot be controlled!” yelled Trixie as she spread her forehooves, interrupting Twilight’s spell. ”The elemental spirits fear Trixie, they won’t try to attack her!” With a loud yell, the whirlwind vanished abruptly, leaving Twilight with her mouth and eyes wide open. Trixie may have been a mediocre summoner when she lived in Equestria, but her domain of Maho had empowered her beyond belief, one of the most competent the Empire had ever seen. Rainbow Dash shook her head trying to return to her senses as Trixie waved her claw at her. However, she couldn’t react in time and roots entangled her. She tried to pull herself free, but they were too thick. Dash looked at Fluttershy in despair, who was still trapped as well. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy,” muttered Rainbow Dash. “It’s not your fault,” replied Fluttershy. “You two will be perfect sacrifices to restore Trixie’s power after she finishes with the rest of your friends!” “Not so fast, Trixie!”cried Pinkie Pie. “Oh, the monk wants to play!” said Trixie joyfully. “Trixie was considering letting you carry your friend’s bodies, but looks like you want to suffer as they just did.” “I can feel that you are quite confident, bloodspeaker,” pointed out Pinkie with a smirk. “You might be very powerful, but you’re also very gullible.” “Such a nuisance you are!  Say your prayers, as it’s all you know!” Trixie threatened as she made another cut on her skin. “Pinkie, no!” Twilight rushed to Pinkie’s side in preparation to protect her friend. She stopped almost instantly though, as the landscape distorted around Pinkie. Her mane waved slowly, as if underwater. Although Trixie was chanting a new spell, Pinkie stood silently with a focused stare as she moved her front legs, drawing circles. The air around her warped violently as a dark aura emanated from her body. “Now die!” Trixie demanded, releasing a blast of dark energy towards her. “Pinkie!” her friends screamed in horror as she did nothing to avoid the spell. The blast dissipated as it touched Pinkie’s dark aura, the battlefield becoming silent. Neither Trixie, nor Pinkie’s friends could contain their surprise at what had just happened. “W-what was that?” Trixie demanded, stuttering and stepping back. “How did you do that?” Pinkie’s mane lost all its fluffiness, and her eyes were orbs of darkness. Twilight tried to take advantage of the situation to try and release both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, perplexed at what had happened. “Without your dark powers, you are nothing but a simple unicorn who failed to be a worthy summoner for the Empire,” said Pinkie Pie, leaning towards Trixie, releasing a portion of her aura. Trixie raised her forelegs reflexively to protect herself, only to be engulfed by the darkness. Even though the aura still surrounded her, she couldn’t find any injuries on her body, which made her laughed confidently again. “This was all you could do? Cover me in a useless fog?” inquired Trixie with sarcastically. “And Trixie thought for a moment that she had something to worry about. Now, witness the power of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” She plunged her claws in her flanks, grunting as she said the words to a new spell. Pinkie shook her head in disappointment as Trixie finished chanting and pointed ferociously at her rival, but nothing happened. “Where’s Trixie’s spell!?” she demanded, glancing around nervously. “Without your magic,” repeated Pinkie Pie as she swung her meteor hammer violently, ”you are nothing. “While I…” Pinkie released one of the heads, which slammed into Trixie’s stomach, smashing her against a tree. “I am still a warrior!” screamed Pinkie as she drew an arc with both ends, landing violently on Trixie’s body. The sound of cracking ribs and Trixie’s horrible squeals of pain assaulted everypony’s eardrums.The  meteor hammer’s weights flew around gain and again, landing blows mercilessly. “My friends!” roared Pinkie. “Nopony hurts my friends!” Pinkie was drawing another arc to smash Trixie again, who wasn’t moving anymore, only whimpering in agony. However, just as Pinkie was about to finish Trixie, she stepped back, falling to her knees as the metal ends smashed the ground. She closed her eyes, prostrating on the ground in exhaustion. The aura that surrounded both Trixie and Pinkie dissipated. Her forelegs trembled when she tried to get up, laying motionless after a few failed attempts. “Pinkie!” cried Dash as she flew towards her, both Fluttershy and her having been released from the spell. Twilight  checked on Pinkie, noticing that she was still breathing. “That… thing she did has exhausted her. Rainbow Dash, can you pick up Applejack and carry her towards the wall? She needs urgent care.” “Y-yeah... no problem...” replied Dash with hesitantly. “I’ll take care of Pinkie Pie. I want to know what happened,” continued Twilight. “This might have been a technique as they call them, but it looked quite… grueling. Girls.” The remaining ponies looked at her  with tired eyes. “You’ve done a good job. What do you think we should do with that despicable excuse of a summoner?” With a disgusted expression, Twilight pointed at Trixie, who was still whimpering in agony. “Well, apparently Pinkie took away her power, and she doesn’t look like she can do much for herself,” Rainbow Dash replied in disgust. “I say we leave her here. She’s caused a lot of suffering. Killing her now would be too merciful. She deserves far worse.” “I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” warned Twilight. Trixie’s cries of pain came to an end, leaving the forest silent as a graveyard. Rainbow Dash looked at her friends with a sad smile. “Even with jade I refuse to touch her,” Twilight backed up uncertainly. “The creatures of the forest have had their deaths avenged”, added Fluttershy with satisfaction. Rainbow Dash lifted Applejack onto her back while Fluttershy and Twilight carried Pinkie Pie with them as Rarity walked behind them, looking behind them every now and then to see if Trixie was still motionless.   -o- After a couple of hours of walking, Hoity Toity and the Diamond Dogs reached the obsidian castle. His eyes widened as he saw the coarse yet gargantuan structure. It looked like it had been literally sculpted from a single colossal rock instead of being built block by block. Grotesque monsters that he didn’t recognize decorated the walls and windows. Hoity felt his spine chill as he got close to the castle. Rover grabbed Hoity like a manure sack and walked through the main hall. Hoity noticed that it was heavily guarded by Diamond Dogs in coarse armors and obsidian spears. Despite their feral aspect, he noticed the discipline the guards showed, which made him even more uncomfortable. He couldn’t see where Rover was taking him, only how the entrance receded with every step. After a while, he was thrown to floor harshly. “My lord!” Rover called, saluting by punching himself on the chest while standing upright. “I’ve brought to you the pony you asked for!” “Well done, General,” complimented the creature sitting on the manticore-shaped throne. “You’ve fulfilled your duty as expected.” “Discord!” Hoity gasped in horror. He tried to run away, but Rover high kicked him in the ribs, throwing him back, closer to Discord. Falling on his back, Hoity cried out in pain. “I told you not to try anything funny, pony!” roared Rover. “That’s enough, General,” replied Discord. “Your presence is no longer necessary. Dismissed!” Rover saluted again and turned around, leaving the throne room. Hoity got up slowly, gritting his teeth in pain. “My apologies for the treatment these savages surely have given to you,” said Discord with a concerned voice. “It’s really hard to find some decent and trustworthy soldiers.” “What do you want from me, Discord?” grunted Hoity as he stepped back. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m here to give you a second chance in life.” “A second chance?” Hoity repeated, raising an eyebrow. ”What are you talking about?” “Of course, my good friend!” cried happily Discord as he got up from his throne. “Listen to what I have to offer you. I’ll give you the opportunity to get your revenge against Rarity.” “What?” “Oh, I saw what happened. Rarity knew you were brilliant, even more so than her, and that you’d be popular enough to become the new clan leader,” explained Discord as he teleported behind Hoity. “But she wanted her beloved sister to be the new clan leader when they promoted her to Imperial Chancellor.” “How do you know that!?” demanded Hoity in shock, stepping backwards. “Only Rarity and I knew about her plans!” “I’ll answer your questions in time, don’t be impatient,” Discord scolded joyfully before continuing the conversation.”As I said, she wanted Sweetie Belle to become the new leader, but she knew that you were going to be more popular and surely the more adequate candidate. And that’s when she plotted your death!” “She wouldn’t do that!” roared Hoity, stomping on the ground. “Then why didn’t she warn you about Big Macintosh, hmm?” inquired Discord, arms crossed in from of him. “And even though you may had slipped up there, then why didn’t Twilight’s clan suffer any consequences for what Trixie did, and for much less you were sentenced to death?” “What are you trying to tell me?” Hoity asked, confused by the complexity of all the plotting Discord was unraveling in front of him. “Simple, my good friend,” started Discord as he sat down on the floor in front of him. “Rarity used a little known pony on court, yet prestigious among the military, to set a trap for you to fall into and thus have a reason to kill you. That way, Sweetie Belle wouldn’t have better candidates to fight for the title of clan leader.” “Why would she do something so…” Hoity tried to say, but the word he was looking for wouldn’t come out. “Twisted?” helped Discord. “Yes, that’s the word!” “You should know how important this is to her,” replied Discord. “If she does something that makes her lose everything that she had been able to gather until now, like killing her right hoof pony without a decent reason, for example, she wouldn’t be able to get that position as the Imperial Chancellor. You were just a necessary casualty. She got rid of you to leave Sweetie Belle a safe place as a future leader and used your death to show that she’s loyal to the Empire.” Hoity sat down, looking down at the ground, deeply shocked. “I can’t believe that Rarity could do something like that to me.” He looked down, shaking his head violently. “No! She wouldn’t do that! What makes you think she’d do something that horrible?!” he demanded. “You are our enemy, you could be making it all up! What evidence do you have of this nonsense!?” “The fact that my minions brought you back from the dead should be enough evidence but, if you insist,” continued Discord, “I also know that she showered the other clans with assistance in order to apologize for your mistake.” “Yes, I was there and heard it.” “That would’ve been enough. Besides, and this is the most important thing...” Discord leaned forward, his eyes piercing through Hoity’s. “...the duel should’ve been the end of the conflict. No matter who won, it was solved. You would’ve been demoted instead of killed. But no, she sentenced you to death. Coincidence?” “I… I see what you mean, it… it makes sense.” Hoity sounded defeated, lowering her head as Discord’s words tormented him. “And if you don’t believe me, you’ll find new evidence that will back my theories as you work for me.” “Why should I work for you?” “I have a proposal for you,” offered Discord, tapping his claw against the throne’s armchair. “I have soldiers and creatures to fight the Empire, but I lack political power, and my presence is far from welcomed. However, I’m thinking about making my own clan in order to get ourselves a place among Equestria. I witnessed your skills on court, and I’m interested in recruiting you as my personal magistrate.” “Me, your magistrate?” Hoity stepped back, horrified at the idea of serving under the Dark Lord. However, he had nothing left in this world. “As long as you’re able to fulfill my wishes, we’ll discuss our strategies and plans, together,” pointed out Discord with a dark smile. “I’m sure that you have some unfinished businesses with those that ruined your life, and I’m willing to satisfy your wishes as long as you stay by my side. What do you say, Hoity Toity?” Hoity stood silent for a while, his mind racing. An alliance with Discord was far from the most honorable decision. However, he had nothing in Equestria. He knew that returning was a bad idea, and had thought about several possible consequences. They may imprison him and even kill him on sight. One thing was for sure, and that was that, as long as there was a possible ending that would harm him in any way, he wouldn’t return. He looked at Discord, who seemed calm and patient, expectant to his answer. Such benevolence startled Hoity, who always considered him a tyrant of some sort, or at least the opposite that the Empresses represented. “If I can get my revenge,” started Hoity, looking up with a challenging smirk. “I’ll follow you. But only if I can see with my own eyes evidence of what you say.” “Marvelous, my good friend!” Discord cheered as he clapped gently. “Don’t worry, you’ll have the evidence you seek. In fact, during the gempukku ceremony you’ll have it. I’ll give you something so you can infiltrate the trials without being noticed. Your first assignment will be waiting for you as you return.” With that said, Discord handed Hoity a mask of black silk that covered his muzzle completely. “Listen to me, for I won’t repeat this,” warned Discord with an intimidating smile that showed his overgrown fang. ”This is a magic artifact I created centuries ago. It grants invisibility and shape-shifting powers, but only if you know the words of command. To become invisible,” he explained, raising his claw, “you must put the mask on and chant ‘Night and darkness –nowhere seen!’” Discord waved his arms and yelled, overacting every single gesture, much to Hoity’s annoyance. “If you want to become a different pony, put on the mask and, while thinking on the pony you want to transform, say ‘Night and fog, unlike anyone! Don’t worry, it can be somepony that doesn’t exist as long as you have a solid image of him or her on your mind.” “That’s extraordinary!” Hoity gasped. “However,” continued Discord with a sardonic smirk, “As the creator of the artifact, I can see through the illusions, so double-crossing me is not a clever idea. And if you end up refusing to help me, I’ll take the mask from you. Now leave and search for the evidence you’re looking for.” Hoity put the mask on and left Discord’s presence, walking through the main hall. His thoughts overwhelmed him as he reached the door. He would try to meet Rarity and talk to her, or maybe just catch up gossips among his former clan’s members. The shadow of doubt and fear had sprouted in the back of his mind. He he had to know. If Discord was right, revenge would fall upon the Jewel Clan.   -o- A whimpering unicorn was all that remained on the ground, gasping in pain, trying in vain to get up. Drat, Trixie grunted to herself. Even breathing hurts like the worst torture ever. If not for the ritual, she would definitely be a goner. Pinkie’s flurry of blows had been strong enough to kill several ponies at a time, yet Trixie was now immortal. Mortal wounds wouldn’t kill her. However, they still hurt and, for a moment, she envied those who died quickly after a strong blow that broke their skulls or punctured their lungs or heart. They had it easy, for even if painful, it didn’t last. Trixie, on the other hoof, had to suffer the pain without the sweet embrace of death to relieve it. Having been unconscious after some minutes of agony was relieving, but the pain returned as soon as she woke up. “S-s-arrr!” Trixie tried to chant , but the broken ribs punctured her lungs, preventing her from casting. There was blood all over her and on the tree she had been pushed against during Pinkie’s attack. Trixie gritted her teeth trying to withstand the pain as she stretched her front hoof, touching the blood with her claw. Leaning her hoof on the trunk, she murmured softly, trying not to breathe heavily. The chant started taking effect as the ground and forest around her darkened and the shadows grew, engulfing her. Yes! thought Trixie, victorious. The tainted energies of the Everfree Forest protect those who fearlessly seek their wisdom and power. The spell is working! Trixie gritted her teeth trying not to scream as the broken bones snapped back together and healed. In a few minutes, she could move and breathe as usual once more. However, she noticed that breathing wasn’t necessary for her anymore, but she was still doing it even when she didn’t have to talk. With a huge effort, she was able to stand again on her four legs. Trixie’s body may have healed, but her strength is far from recovered, admitted Trixie as she looked at the Forest. This spell is more exhausting than Trixie assumed. “I can see that you’re up.” The spirit’s voice came from just beyond the shadows. “You!” Trixie grunted, turning around swiftly, only to squeal in pain as she noticed a crack on her waist. “Don’t do that, the powers of the Everfree Forest aren’t meant to heal. Even though you’re healed, your bones are still fragile.” “Why… Why didn’t you warn Trixie about the monks!?” she howled, furious. “You should know about that!” “There are no monks in the forest,” replied the spirit. “I know nothing about Equestria if it hasn’t ventured here.” “You didn’t support Trixie when you saw her was in trouble either,” said Trixie in an attempt to contain her rage. “This is your fight, Trixie,” the spirit pointed out magnanimously. “I can’t take part.” “In that case,” started Trixie, piercing the spirit with her blank stare. “Trixie has no need for you anymore!” With a swift gesture, she summoned a dark whirlwind that trapped the spirit, who was unable to react in time. He tried to vanish, using his magic in vain to flee, but to no avail. For the first time, Trixie could see terror in his face as she approached him slowly, showing her fangs menacingly. “Trixie has caught you, foal!” roared Trixie, satisfied with her plan. “You tried to use Trixie to fulfill your wishes, and tried to limit Trixie’s power by making her to take part of that heart-removing ritual! That way you could control me, knowing that if I tried to rebel, you could threaten to destroy Trixie’s heart!” The spirit’s expression made her even more confident, showing that she was right. “Well, listen to Trixie as she finishes you.” She scratched her front legs furiously, letting her blood stain the ground and her claws as she chanted more words of power. During the ritual, the spirit stopped panicking, smiling magnanimously. “You may be able to defeat me, summoner,” warned the spirit. “But you won’t ever be free again. If it’s not me, it will be another spirit, pony or anything.” “The Great and Powerful Trixie is a puppet for nopony!” she screamed as she finished the chant. The whirlwind shrank in size, crushing the spirit slowly as a dark smoggy aura surrounded Trixie’s claws. As Trixie opened her mouth, her eyes became beams of darkness and a gust of sickening wind blew towards her. The air trapped the spirit, pulling him inside Trixie’s mouth, to which he showed no resistance. The whirlwind disappeared as the spirit disintegrated in a dark fog that Trixie breathed in a single take. She then smashed her hooves together, causing her whole body to be covered in the black smog. As the ritual came to an end, the dark aura left her with an explosion. She heard, however, the spirit’s laugh moving far away with the fog. Alone again, Trixie stared back in the Empire’s direction, the feeling of superiority having returned to her. “You haven’t heard the last of Trixie, Equestria,” she warned. “In my generosity, I’ll let you be for now. However,” she added as she scratched her chin with one of her claws. “Trixie has to recover her faithful students.”