Lake of Reflection

by Richer19

Chapter 29: Pride vs. Love Part 2

Chapter 29: Pride vs. Love Part 2

The ground shook with the force of an earthquake as the silver lines that had been etched into the ground exploded, releasing a geyser of silver magical energy. The power swirled and twisted around Trixie but, rather than succumbing to fear, she maintained a calm even expression.

It was then, a loud deep voice intoned, “I am thou, and thou art I…From the sea of thy soul, I come.” Oddly enough, her silver magic began to swirl and take shape. The form before her was a bipedal creature, pure white and carrying a rather menacing looking sword.

The being then said “I am Izanagi-no-Okami, one who brings light on thy path and watcher over the descendants of Star Swirl the Bearded.”

The entity continued to hover for a few more moments, before disappearing in a flash of silver light. Everypony’s attention was immediately returned to Trixie, now radiating an aura of silver light. The only other difference being that Trixie was now holding what appeared to be a simple playing card in her magical grip.

It was then that Trixie declared with new confidence, “Now then…let’s decide this once and for all; the final clash between my past and my present with my future at stake.”

The clone gave no verbal response, but bore a smug grin upon her muzzle. Before Trixie had a chance to react, the clone released the magic it had been quietly building up in the form of a fireball. Trixie was too slow to react and could only brace as she took the full force of magic. What came as a surprise was that, minus some singed fur, Trixie came out of that uninjured; a result that seemed to equally surprise the clone.

Trixie, for her part, was shocked that her injuries were not any worse. At first, she thought it was because the clone didn't put enough power behind the spell. That theory was quickly dismissed, as the stunned look on her opponent’s face served as enough evidence to the contrary. Confusion aside, Trixie knew that it was her moment to counter attack, before her enemy had a chance to recover, yet she was unsure of the next move. Her own magical power would never be able to match the clone’s, especially boasted by that amulet. While trying to think of a way to counter, her mind was slowly starting to remember……something. It was fuzzy at first, like a time long since forgotten; however, it didn't feel like a memory and all she was able to focus on were some strange words that seemed like nonsense. The words filled her mind; they exuded a sense of power when she thought about them and felt the card in her magical grip surge as if responding to the words that were in her mind.

Deciding to chance it, Trixie said in her best commanding voice “Agidyne!” The moment that word left her lips, she felt magic surge out of her and saw, to her mild surprise, the card shatter in her grip. Her stunned state lasted for a moment, as the silver magic began to surge up and recreate the creature. This time it remained a silent form and performed a horizontal slash with its sword. There was a pause and Trixie feared her faith had been misplaced. Those thoughts were quickly pushed away due to what was now before her.

A small ring of fire quickly surrounded her adversary, catching the clone off-guard. The ring erupted into a massive pillar of fire and completely consumed its occupant. Unlike the fireball the clone had launched at Trixie, this geyser was clearly inflicting real damage based upon the pain induced yelling coming from the column. When the geyser had finally stopped, everypony saw that the clone was now covered with major burn marks. Despite the damage however, it still bore the same unchanged smug expression.

“Is…is that the best you can do,” The clone said in a mocking tone. Trixie, however, took notice of the slight hesitation behind the challenge and knew that this was a front and nothing more.

Still, it didn't matter, Trixie now know how to fight this battle and didn't hesitate before enunciating, “Bufudyne!”

The air around the clone chilled and before long a massive chunk of ice impacted upon her. Staggering for a bit, the clone barely heard Trixie shouting another word, this one sounding like ‘Ziodyne’. Like Bufudyne, the spell didn't take long to go into effect and the clone was met with a barrage of lightning bolts.

“Garudyne,” Trixie shouted and couldn't resist the satisfying smirk forcing its way on her face, as she watched the clone being assaulted with what seemed like hurricane-force winds.

Despite the massive beating it sustained, the clone continued to stand, refusing to show any kind of weakness. It had already used most of its power just protecting itself from Trixie’s attacks. Breathing heaving, it looked like the clone was struggling just to remain on its hooves.

Trixie was surprised that it had lasted as long as it did, considering the amount of energy she poured into those spells. What she had discovered rather quickly was that the spells didn't seem to drain as much magical power as she had thought. Elemental magic on this scale should have caused her to collapse on the ground by now and yet she only felt slightly fatigued.

Even so, the battle continued with each side giving their best. So the conflict went on however, it became more and more obvious that Trixie seemed to hold the advantage. No matter how much power her doppelganger put into its spells, the damage the Trixie sustained was virtually nonexistent. Trixie, on the other hoof, was constantly launching powerful elemental spells that seemed to have minimal impact on her magical reserves. There were even times where she would delay an attack before releasing the spell, which only seemed to amplify the overall damage.

In spite of the opposition, no matter how much punishment it took, the clone refuse to give up. It would just keep enduring the spells while maintaining the same smug expression. As time stretched on, the demands of combat were starting to take a toll on Trixie. Even considering the seemingly limited magical requirements for the spells, she was using them constantly and it was starting to show.

She needed to end the fight…and soon before fatigue settled in and provided the clone an opportunity to overpower her.

It was around that time that the clone released a laugh of delight and said, “You still do not see it? I’m you. We are connected in heart, mind, body, and soul. You can’t just get rid of me with force, because as long as your heart burns to taste my power, I will never go away.”

The clone was right, but Trixie didn't want to admit it. Doing that would mean inviting it to take control and consume her like it had done before. What could she do, what spell was left that would finally allow her to break the chains of her past?
As if waiting for its prompt, a word entered her mind. Although it was completely foreign to her, Trixie could feel the power emanating from it. Unlike the other spells though, this one would require most of her remaining magic reserves. She was going to have only one shot.

The former showmare took a calming breath as she reached out for her pool of magic, ready to channel it to form the spell. Trixie looked up at her clone and it was only then when she comprehended the true nature of her opponent.

In a voice that was calm, but filled with finality, Trixie said, “I understand now. You aren't just a clone, but the manifestation of my own pride. You truly are the manifestation of my past, born from the lake to serve as my final test, the test of conviction.”

The clone…no, her Pride looked surprised by what it was hearing. Before it could form a response Trixie continued, “Maybe, in another universe, I succumbed to my rage. The worst thing is I can see it. I can see myself being driven with thoughts of revenge against Twilight. I remember who I was enough to know that, if not for the intervention of others, I would be lost in that pursuit, seeking only to restore my foolish pride and self-image…..And I would have reveled in it, not realizing the void that was in my soul.” Trixie’s gaze drooped to the ground, as if imagining what kind of universe that would be before continuing. “I know that you will always be there, as pride exists in everypony’s hearts. What I see now is that I wasn't fighting to throw away my pride; I was fighting to forget all the mistakes I had made in the past. I realize that there is no point in trying to change the past or attempting to forget it. The past makes us who we are, it shapes our future…and I wouldn't change a thing.”

Trixie’s horn started to glow, but unlike her normal silver glow, it emitted a dark purple color. The creature appeared again, this time pointing its sword straight up. All present, minus Trixie, raised their heads and wore expressions of disbelief.
Floating above Ponyville was a ball of what could only be described as pure magic. The ball matched the color of Trixie’s magical aura was quickly growing in size.

Trixie then said, “As much as I regret my past actions, as much pain as they have caused…they have also let me to the best future I could have hoped for. I have made my choice. My love has given me a second chance, when conventional logic would have left me to my fate. She has offered me her home, her food, her bed, and her love; I vow here and now that I will not take her generosity for granted. I know now in my heart the path I chose to walk, but before I can take the first step, I must be rid of the chains that still bind me.”

Pride was in shock, both from the still growing orb of magic above and the realization that she had failed. She could only watch in horror as the Alicorn Amulet flashed before disappearing from her neck.

Trixie, feeling the steel bar or resolution in her heart, shouted, “Now…break my chains. Ultima!”

The large sphere, as if waiting for that cry, began hurtling down on a direct course with Pride, who could no longer feel her legs responding to her commands to move. Trixie brought her horn down in sync with her Persona’s sword; she could feel sphere accelerate as Pride watched, unable to react, unable to fight, unable to do anything but accept what was to come.

When the sphere impacted on the ground right on top of Pride, it continued to grow even larger, eventually encompassing all of Ponyville. Twilight and her friends could do nothing but close their eyes and hope for the best.

Author's Note:

For starters, when I set out to do this story; I knew that there were two major camps concerning what people's o pinon were of Trixie. One thought of her as soft and misunderstood while the other thought she really was great and powerful. This is my way of pleasing both sides.

The second thing to note is the name of the spells that were used in the chapter. While their brief description does give you a vague idea of what they mean, I will be willing to give you the actual description in the comments. Also, Ultima is not a spell in Persona but rather in Final Fantasy.

Thanks go to themanesix for editing the chapter for me.

Comments

[Uzume Tennouboshi]

Hasta la vista, Trixie's Pride!

'Nuff said.

[Archivist Nightwatch]

personally I would have loved to see bahamuts Flare or more acurately Bahamut Zero's Terra Flare.. but I doubt you would nuke Ponyville Like that.

[Brother_William]

Why Bahamut's Flare? Why not Lulu's Spell Storm Overdrive from FFX when she casts Flare repeatedly?

[Frankie2]

I don't know any of these video game reference (expect the Ultima spell from FF VI), but I know what I like. And I liked this chapter. I look forward to this story's climax.

[Brother_William]

3045749
Pfft. Pride is Overrated, Anger is a pushover, Despair was a wimp, and Fear was just Laughable. Why isn't there a Sha of Insanity? How do you combat a completely unpredictable enemy?

[Brother_William]

3047641
...

[Cheer]

This whole persona crossover kinda thing came kinda outta left field. Seriously. I took me out of the story really quick. I liked this. I really did. I'll keep reading just because. But, the sudden inclusion of persona stuff this late in the game felt off.

[Jlargent]

Trixie was now holding what appeared to be a simple playing card in her magical grip.

It's supposed to be a tarot card. And to be honest I was thinking this should've been playing during the battle.

[Gadman85]

I really have enjoyed this story alot. (Beware: When I really get interested and enjoy a story I leave long comments).

There were a couple of minor things that got to me and one rather big thing that got to me. First off there were a couple of spots where I was thrown off by the tense switch, but I will commend you on keeping it to the chapter level the one time I can think of it occurred that really threw me off. There were also a few places where word usage got to be ify, but I mostly overlooked it because I am guilty of the same thing.

The one thing that got to me bad was a large part of chapter 26. To me a good part of this chapter felt like... I don't know... forced glorified overpowered OC worship, so I just skimmed over parts of it. It got to a point where you made Solarshield and Moonsaber alicorn tier powerful and it seemed you wanted them to shame even the two goddess like beings of Equestria, Celestia and Luna.

The thing that gets to me really bad here is the fact until it reached ridiculous levels in my opinion, I liked them a lot. Moonsaber was very much different but he felt like he belonged. Solarshield seemed like what a guard commander should be like many ways. Even their being more powerful under the sun and moon these two still felt like they belonged in Equestria. Then you went overboard on the 'awesome' fact with their weapons and powers, but I would have suffered through it anyways.

However, you ended up severely undermining powerful cannon characters while doing this, and you more or less made Twilight and Trixie bystanders barely mentioned in the chapter. Trixie was just recovering so it is understandable, but Twilight was ooc since the previous chapter. She was little better than a scared filly despite her being very much the opposite.

Sure Twilight would be shocked at first, but by the time Moonsaber slipped into the room with them. She would have recovered and stood to help protect her friend and lover despite the odds. As a side note. I think with this much time spent focusing on OCs it might require the OC tag. These are my thoughts and complaints about the story. Fortunately. the rest of the story is very much well down.

Despite the scene mentioned above I think you did a great job with Twilight. The places where she messed things up were very much Twilight and understandable. The way she reacted to Rarity in the cape scene, while pissing me off due to the lack of fiery retribution, was Twilight and worked out in the end in a believable way fitting way for both characters.

The way Twilight charged into the fight in Pride vs. Love, and was easily beaten seemed right as well. In cannon during this situation, she was easily beaten, but the antagonist was focused on her so the fight lasted longer. Here that is not the case and the resolution is an accurate ending to this encounter considering this.

The romance between Twilight and Trixie is very wonderful and seems fitting throughout the whole story. You do a great job equally showing both characters internal thoughts and feelings about their emotions and the other pony.

The romance hasn't been completely smooth sailing, but it is very gratifying nonetheless. The sweet parts give all kinds of good feels. The not so sweet parts leave me hoping for the best and eager to see what happens.

one thing I think you did a spectacular job on was Trixie's inner turmoil. You caught her mental conflict for a twixie story perfectly! Even when you didn't outright say the two sides of her were fighting, you got this conflict across by showing her hesitation and uncertainty in her body language and thoughts.

I can see where other people are saying the Persona thing caught them off guard. I have never played any of those games, so I liked it. I knew you were building up to there being a lot more to Trixie than we knew with the well done clues, but I wasn't expecting that.

The fight scene were this comes to head is extremely powerful and flashy but I liked it! Trixie is a main character and this is a key moment in the story so it should be super awesome with powerful magic. I can't wait to see what happens in the next chapter!

In the end, despite a few things I didn't like, your story is amazing and well done. I think this is a great Twixie story and look forward to where it goes from here. I hope there are plenty of hugs and kisses and more once the end comes!

is a favorite ship!

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

Great fight at the end, there.

[Celestia GF of the Void]

You had me till these past two chapters, though you mostly lost me back durin the chaos at the castle. I don't mind Trixie being abit more powerful than canon, kind of expect things to be abit different since its not after all, but this was too far. Twilight both in the castle and now just sort of fall back and do nothing, and given the overpowered state you made Trixie there is no excuse for it. She's the Element of Magic, and has the raw power and potential to end up causing herself to get turned into an Alicorn and in both fights now she cowers or just gets caught. Where as you have Trixie flinging out elemental magic and things like ultima. Sorry but no

[JHHylianLink]

NEW CHAPTER!!! ...It's been two months, after all.

[Grtgfbll]

I'll admit that it's been awhile since I've played any of the MegaTen games (and just got P4Golden) so just ignore me if I'm wrong, but aren't the -dyne spells AOE?

[Exanime32]

I just finished Chapter 10, and the details are as follows:
1. Trixie and Twilight have fallen for each other but neither is aware of the other's feelings.
2. Trixie is Twilight's slave.
3. Trixie is dressed in a leather outfit that restricts her movements.
This could get pretty kinky.

[Frozenvision]

That was great! I just hope that incomplete isint there to torture me

[Knight N Gale]

So is this story dead...or what?

[Knight N Gale]

2964481 so is this story dead...or what?

[Prince Leviathan]

Yooooo!
She hit Pride with a Ultima!
DAAAAMMMMNNNNN!

At least Trixie didn't know Supernova.
That would've been messy.