The Third Duel

It was just another normal afternoon for the Mane Six as they entered class, most of their school-day already done; they attended Canterlot High School, within the lone, large, vast city-island of Equestria. Miraculously, the Girls all had class together; though this was probably more of Principals Celestia and Luna’s doing. They had saved the Equestria from enslavement and destruction many times, after all, so some spoiling was certainly in order.

“Ah, our joint-period of Trigonometry and Algebra II. Isn’t math amazing?” Twilight sighed, hugging her books to her chest, as she walked to her seat.

Rainbow Dash grunted in response. “Math sucks, Twi. I swear, you’re like the only one who likes it!” Rainbow Dash groaned in annoyance.

“I’m pretty sure she likes everything school-related, sugarcube.” Applejack chuckled, as the six girls took their seats, giggling, save for Rainbow Dash.

“Eggheads will be eggheads, I guess.” Rainbow Dash muttered to herself.

Ms. Cheerilee walked into class, setting her things down. She smiled brightly. “Alright class, settle down. Would anyone care to take us back for a quick review of what we learned about Secant and Cosecant?” she asked, jumping right into business.

Twilight raised her hand quickly, with a bright smile. Ms. Cheerilee smiled sheepishly. “Alright Twilight, dear: let’s give others a chance to express their abilities. Would anyone else care to present? I don’t want to have to pick now.” Ms. Cheerilee urged.

After a few seconds of silence and stillness, Ms. Cheerilee aimed her marker around the classroom, eyes closed. With a point, she opened her eyes.

“Rainbow Dash! You haven’t been up to the board in this whole first month of school; how about you come show us what you know, and what you can apply.” Ms. Cheerilee stated.

“Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me…” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Is there a problem Rainbow Dash?” Ms. Cheerilee questioned, upon hearing the unpleased grumble.

“Not at all, ma’am. I’ll be right there!” Rainbow Dash said, putting on a bright smile.

As she walked to the board and picked up the marker, she thought for a second, and began to write:

“So first, the relationship between secant and cosecant is that… one is the cosecant is the co-function of secant.” Rainbow Dash spoke as she wrote on the board. Ms. Cheerilee gave an approving nod.

“Next…” Rainbow Dash thought, as she tried to write something else. Suddenly, two pings were heard from the school’s announcement speakers.

“Good-morning Canterlot High School, and sorry staff for the interruption; would the following students please report to the Principals’ Office immediately, I repeat, would the following students please report to the Principals’ Office immediately,” the voice began.

“Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash, please report to the Principals’ Office this instant. Thank you.” The announcement finished.

“Woohoo, saved!” Rainbow Dash blurted out. The class looked at her with knowing smiles and smirks. Ms. Cheerilee crossed her arms and sighed, shaking her head.

“I mean, what a tragedy that I have to miss one of the most important classes of the day! Not my math!” Rainbow Dash said in a pseudo-grief stricken voice.

The class giggled, before Ms. Cheerilee hushed them down.

“Alright girls, you’re excused. It never is simple with you Six, hm?” Ms. Cheerilee asked.

“Sorry, Ms. Cheerilee. I guess that’s how it is when you’re just that awesome!” Rainbow Dash chuckled, being the first to rush out of the room.

“Right… Apologies, Ms. Cheerilee. We’ll make it up.” Twilight said, excusing herself and her friends, as they filed out of the room.

“Right then… Let’s continue, shall we?” Ms. Cheerilee said to the remainder of the class, walking to the board.

[Within The Principals’ Office…]

The Six girls piled in, sitting down in conveniently placed chairs arced around the principals’ desk. The room was dimly lit, and behind the Principals’ desk sat Principals Celestia and Luna, with Discord leaning against the wall not far behind them. He looked to be a tall (7’2”) human with one abnormal canine tooth hanging from his mouth.

“So… What’s the occasion?” Twilight asked, sitting center of the arc.

The three older figures in the room were silent, as they looked at each other, sighing.

“How do we even begin…?” Principal Celestia asked her colleagues.

“By telling them the truth.” Principal Luna replied.

“I’m all for chaos, but the entire truth probably isn’t a good idea, unless you want to melt their innocent little minds.” Discord said, stepping off the wall.

“Right. What do you suggest then, Discord?” Luna asked, clearly annoyed.

“How about,” Applejack started, tapping her hand on the table to grab their attention, “We start with the basics: y’know, the beginning of why you even called us here?”

“You’re all in danger.” Celestia spoke simply. The Girls stared at her strangely, not really changing in emotion.

Rainbow Dash laughed. “Of course we’re in danger. We’ve angered like, the most powerful beings to walk this planet. Being in danger isn’t exactly something we’re new to.” Rainbow Dash said with a smirk.

“No, you’re in real danger; this one, it’s new.” Luna said, as the mood got a bit more intense, to the discomfort of the Six girls.

“You’ve not yet met something as catastrophic… We thought evil like this wouldn’t return, but humanity seems to be just one vicious cycle…” Celestia spoke, vague and solemn. Her hands were clasped under her chin, blocking her mouth, as she glanced down slightly.

The girls fell silent. Something certainly was happening; they were never this cautious around them.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa… What’s going on here? What’s up with this mood? Is Queen Chrysalis back? Lord Tirek, perhaps? Is the Tantabus loose ag-” Twilight speculated.

“The Tantabus is gone.” Luna interrupted, crossing her arms.

“Huh? T-that can’t be right… Who else can traverse dreams like you, Principal Luna?” Twilight pondered.

“That’s just it, Twilight; there shouldn’t be anyone else capable of such a thing, because I can’t even remember how I learned it. I had quite the dialogue with the person that invaded my dream as well. This is where things get… scary.” Luna continued.

“Wait, the person talked to you? What did they look like?” Twilight asked.

“Feminine by voice, for sure; their face and arcane mark was covered by a black cloak: much like the one Zecora wore.” Luna said. “But I’m sure it wasn’t her; this one didn’t speak in rhyme.” Luna quickly added.

“Interesting… Did you get a glimpse of her hair, clothing, anything of the sort?” Twilight interrogated.

“All I know is that they had a crimson red hue on the eyes, and spoke with desire of a grave vengeance against the Six of you; most especially Twilight, who she claims to have ruined her twice.” Luna spoke from memory. She spoke slowly and carefully, as if there were pieces of information she was withholding.

“… That’s a hard one… I’m not sure; it doesn’t seem to be any of our major enemies. Are you sure it wasn’t just a dream, Principal Luna?” Twilight asked.

“I assure you that it was not, Twilight Sparkle. I lived every moment of the Tantabus being stolen from me; it was a very true reality, within the dreamscape.” Luna reassured.

“So… What now, then? We can’t just tell them all willy-nilly of Luna’s visions.” Discord sighed, crossing his arms.

“Yes, they’re just children after all… Lucky enough that they weren’t unfortunate enough to deal with that when Chrysalis and Tirek came along.” Celestia sighed.

“We’re all maturing into young adults here, I think we’re ready for whatever you might be holding from us.” Applejack demanded.

“Y’know, it’ll probably cause them more danger not telling them the truth; they need to understand what they have to defend against. You know how innocent they are; they will never be ready unless they truly understand what this threat is capable of.” Luna insisted. She received disapproving looks from her two peers.

“I don’t get it, why are you two so adamant on not letting them know? It’s only fair that they should understand.” Luna bargained.

Celestia and Discord eyed each other, before both released a long breath.

“Alright then… Go ahead, Sister.” Celestia granted.

“Oh thank goodness, we’re getting somewhere with this.” Rainbow Dash groaned, clearly impatient.

“Girls, what do you think evil truly is?” Luna asked.

“Something that hates fun and laughter!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Something that is non-eloquent and void of generosity.” Rarity said simply.

“The most disloyal thing you could ever come across!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Dishonesty; now that’s true evil.” Applejack added.

“Anything without kindness has to be evil!” Fluttershy quietly exclaimed.

“I think evil is something truly diabolical; impossible to harmonize with good and happiness, and something that would deny this world of the magic of friendship.” Twilight concluded.

Luna nodded, listening to the different pile of opinions.

“You’re all dead wrong.” Luna said, as they all stared at her strangely, taken aback by her simple and blatant statement.

“Evil, is everything you just stated. Evil loves fun and laughter; in fact, it gets the most fun and laughter at the suffering of others.

Evil destroys in the most eloquent of matters, generously bestowing its beauty and perfection upon all.

Evil is very loyal; only to the very darkness that feeds it.

Evil is very honest; you will never witness its actions lie, for it is always too hungry to even falsely deny its desire.

Evil is kind, but only to those foolish enough to seek something from it.

Evil harmonizes with the good and happiness of itself; it very righteously indulges itself in the magic of friendship – anything that can guarantee its desires is friend enough.” Luna preached, hands clasped under her chin, as her eyes squinted down at the Six, who listened intently.

“My point, girls, is that evil is so much more than you know: than I, or even Celestia or Discord know.” Luna said.

“But there is something you need to understand about real evil.” Luna began, as she stood, slamming the palms of her hands on the desk dramatically, forcing the girls to look up into her eyes.

“Real evil, much unlike what you’ve faced thus far, is not as forgiving or as nice. The true evil is a ravenous beast, who’s hunger is only satiated by its deepest, darkest desires; obtaining power, and making people suffer. And I don’t mean enslave the world and make chocolate rain flood the planet suffer, no – I mean suffer as in watch your loved ones wither away, never to be seen again… I mean to spend darkness, in a shell all alone. To have life as you know it, destroyed, with not one drop of remorse laid out for you, as if you’ve been banished for a thousand years to a dark, desolate place, for a crime you hadn’t willfully committed.” Luna spoke, as her voice grew more quiet to the last sentence.

The room grew an eerie silence. The looks on the girls’ faces were unreadable. It was hard to tell if they were stunned, scared, or something else…

Celestia sat, quiet, hands clasped beneath her chin still.

Luna waited for someone else to make the first move.

The Girls shared worried and cautious glances around the room. The thick atmosphere began to settle in.

“Luna… Why not give them some insight before speaking so mystically and cryptically?” Discord recommended.

Luna nodded. “Children; my dreams do not lie. The visions and predictions that etch themselves upon my consciousness are often true, and foreshadow things to happen. Do you want to know what I have seen lately?” Luna asked.

The Six nodded.

“Firstly, a new Alicorn. This, I know to not be a lie, as Celestia and myself have sensed the large, nearly impossible increase of a raw reservoir; one matching the indications of the coronation of a new Alicorn.” Luna spoke.

“What? How come I haven’t sensed this? I thought all Alicorns were connected in that way?” Twilight asked, raising a brow.

“You’ve only just become an Alicorn, Twilight. You still have much to learn about your new body – your new capabilities.” Celestia interjected.

“Exactly. Second, I sense that this city; Equestria, will soon be under a catastrophic crisis. A crisis that is going to be a host to much chaos; much disorder; much fighting; much bloodshed.” Luna spoke, dragging across the syllables of the last word, as if not sure she wanted to say it.

“Whoa, you mean like… death?” Rainbow Dash asked, her laidback attitude dissipating with the atmosphere of the somewhat-dimly-lit room.

“Yes. Like death.” Luna nodded. “We’re all grownups here, are we not? We can handle speaking of such concepts, yes? Or shall I tone down the maturity a bit?” Luna asked, concerned at the growing anxiousness she was instilling in the girls.

Fluttershy raised her finger to speak, but Applejack stood. “No. Continue please, Principal. We’re old enough.” She spoke for her friends.

Fluttershy sheepishly lowered her hand.

“Alright then, I’ll continue.” Luna decided.

“Thirdly; whatever seems to be after you is on a path of constant pursuance. This means that even hours from now, you may have an encounter that you should always be prepared for. I don’t mean to scare you but… Don’t let your guards down; I mean it.” Luna stated.

“This is all we have to discuss here today, girls. Are there any questions?” Celestia asked.

There were a few seconds of silence.

“S-so… O-on a scale of one t-to ten… How certain is it that we’re gonna meet some murderous scary monster that wants to eat our brains out?!” Fluttershy asked, with anxiety.

“Ten, out of, ten.” Luna said slowly, with no hesitation.

Fluttershy eeped, before Rainbow Dash patted her head. “Relax Fluttershy. We’ll all handle this together. Nobody’s gonna die.” Rainbow Dash promised.

“Don’t make any promises you can’t keep.” Discord interjected with a solemn tone. All eyes on the room went on him. He could feel the glares, but he merely shrugged. “Just dropping some knowledge, chill out guys.” Discord said, with a smile.

“Right… Any other questions?” Celestia asked again.

“Luna; you said you witnessed the Tantabus be stolen… How could something that you made be stolen? I thought it wasn’t physical?” Twilight asked.

“In a sense, I suppose it’s not. It is a manifestation of pure Darkness… It’s not something that can be stolen, per se. But, it can be absorbed, or consumed. Whatever removed it from my own being, did so by directly tapping into the reservoir of Darkness I kept within myself.... Normally, this wouldn’t be so serious, as I think I’m the only one who knows how to access its power. Just as I thought I was the only once capable of accessing the dream plane…” Luna answered to the best of her ability.

“But let’s be clear; I only created a vessel for the Darkness in punishment of myself. I am not capable of creating Darkness. Maybe manifesting it, yes, but I am not powerful enough to create something so evil.” Luna said.

Twilight hummed in thought, nodding her head slowly.

“Is that all?” Celestia asked.

The Girls nodded.

“Great. Then we will dismiss you. Seeing that we’ve been in here for about 2 hours, I’m pretty sure your school day is done. Plus, we adults need to discuss some things.” Celestia said, as the girls got up.

“Oh, and Girls, one last thing!” Celestia called out.

They stopped. “What is it, Principal Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“I want you all to know that this situation is very severe, and should be treated with caution. As heroes of this city, you are all expected to do something against which is willing to see you all eradicated from existence… It’s worrying. However, we are here to help.” Celestia said, putting two cards on the table. They contained the numbers of the two princesses, should they ever be in a bind.

As Twilight picked up the cards, and slid them into the breast pocket of her uniform dress-shirt, Celestia spoke again.

“I want you all to be clear: evil is not sexist; evil is not ageist; evil has no established moral code. Everything is fair prey. Your family, your friends…” Celestia began, as her eyes went over to Applejack and Rarity.

“Your little sisters…” Celestia spoke, her eyes going to Twilight and Rainbow Dash.

“Your adopted family, Scootaloo and Spike, respectively.” Celestia continued, her eyes finally landing on Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.

“Yes; even your (arguably) harmless animal Angel, and your favorite babies, Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake, as well as their parents, could be at risk.” Celestia said, mumbling the “arguably”.

“So if you fight – when, you fight – keep in mind that things will be lost. There is nothing you can do to stop that. Evil is ruthless like that.” Celestia sighed.

“Tch.” Twilight hissed. “With all due respect, you’re wrong, Principal Celestia.” Twilight said, facing her. The three authoritative figures laid their eyes on her, whilst the rest of the Mane Six stood by her side.

“Excuse me?” Celestia asked, curious.

“You talk as if these events are just left up to fate. As if it’s out of our hands; how many times have things seemed impossible? How many times did failure seem imminent? How many times was our kind almost enslaved and tortured by people like Tirek, Chrysalis, and even Discord? Yet, somehow, by working together, we pull through, don’t we? We’re not humans for no reason; we, aren’t bound by fate. Other lifeforms often deem us weak physically and mentally alike. But I disagree; I believe we are the strongest lifeforms to ever walk existence. Not due to our dexterity, or our intelligence, or our strength, or our agility, no; but because we have the power to break away from these silly misconceptions of “fate”. We can change our destinies, and execute that ability with exceptional maneuverability. If we deem it to be that we will successfully protect all that we know and love, then it is up to us to make it happen, or not make it happen. Not to some predictions and foretelling.” Twilight preached.

“Agreed.” Rainbow Dash snapped, as the rest of the Mane Six nodded and smiled in agreement.

Celestia chuckled, smiling the first genuine smile since they had entered. “Very well, Twilight. I hope that you can make your words come true, at least to some extent. I remember now, why I chose you. Good luck, students. Have a safe trip home.” She said, dismissing them. With a small salute, Twilight bowed in respect, as she and the others left.

As the door closed, Celestia’s smile slowly faltered. “Perhaps I do know too much… Maybe that is why I cannot stay as optimistic, or as hopeful, as her. Soon though, Equestria will have the leader she deserves; they certainly don’t deserve me…” Celestia thought…

[With the Mane Six…]

The Girls gathered their things from their conveniently-closely placed lockers.

“What do you reckon of this whole ordeal, y’all?” Applejack questioned.

“Nothing good for my fashion, that’s for sure.” Rarity sighed.

The other five stared at her.

“Okay, okay… Fashion aside-,” Rarity began.

“For once.” Rainbow Dash interrupted with a smirk. Rarity sighed and continued.

“Fashion aside, as I was saying: I’m not sure what to feel. I just know that we have to try our best to protect those that we love.” Rarity said.

“Agreed. I w-won’t let any harm come to Angel!” Fluttershy vowed.

“Right. Let’s all try our best gals.” Twilight said, determined.

“We don’t even know what we’re up against though… Hard to really be on guard.” Applejack thought.

“Well, we won’t get anywhere just standing around; hows-about we go hang out at the park guys?” Pinkie Pie suggested excitedly.

“A park? Really now, Pinkie Pie, such an uncanny place for a bunch of teens to gather.” Rarity said in a sort of scold.

“Oh lighten up, Pretty Princess; a day in the park won’t hurt.” Applejack laughed.

“Yeah; been a while since we all just kinda hung out without having too much trouble, y’know?” Rainbow Dash said.

“Agreed; we should really enjoy today. It feels like it might be the last time we’re able to…” Fluttershy said.

“Alright then, it’s settled, Rarity. With the majority vote, we are going to the park!” Twilight declared. Sliding over to Rarity and giving her a small nudge in the side with her elbow, Twilight chuckled.

“Try to have some fun, hm, Rarity?” Twilight giggled.

“If you insist, dear.” Rarity sighed, as the Six walked outside of the school.

[With Our Heroes At The Park…]

The Six walked through the gates attached to a rather tall brick wall surrounding the park; probably to ensure that kids didn’t wander off accidentally while they played. As they walked inside, they noticed the brick walls encasing the area was quite worn down and in need of change, and that playground seemed barren and absent of vegetation, as dust rose with their steps.

“This place is literally isolated today.” Applejack commented.

“All the more space for us to have fun!” Pinkie Pie squealed with joy.

“I dunno… It’s setting off a pretty uncomfortable mood for me, you guys.” Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash tapped Twilight’s head playfully. “Take a chill pill Twilight; let’s just enjoy today, before the crazy stuff starts happening.” Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight was about to say something, but she shushed herself.

“Right then. On that case…” Rainbow Dash began, walking up to Pinkie Pie with a devious smile.

“Boop! You’re it!” Rainbow Dash declared with a laugh, tapping Pinkie Pie’s nose and running off.

“Uh-oh, here I come!” Pinkie Pie laughed, running after Rarity, who ran off as well.

“Ahhh! Watch the dress, will you?!” Rarity screamed, running away. Pinkie Pie ran, gaining on Rarity, finger extended, as Rarity tried to escape her.

Deciding that she couldn’t outrun Pinkie, Rarity decided to face her, and put her skills of martial arts to use.

Focusing on Pinkie Pie, she breathed in slowly, holding her hands out. As time almost seemed to slow for Rarity, she slipped past Pinkie’s extended finger by gently tapping it to the side at the perfect moment; but Pinkie’s reactions were quick, as she threw her other hand around and slapped the passing Rarity’s back.

“You’re it! Now help me catch the rest.” Pinkie declared, tapping Rarity’s back, as she dashed the other way.

“Darn it!” Rarity sighed, with a small chuckle, as the 2 stood in the rising dust from the movement. “But I don’t think that’s how the game goes, darling.” Rarity said.

“Nothing wrong with trying something new. C’mon, let’s get ‘em!” Pinkie Pie said, with a giggle, running after Fluttershy next, Rarity tailing close behind.

“Oh my…!” Fluttershy said, running around the swing-set. Eventually, she found herself cornered by the two.

“Uh-oh!” she gasped softly, as the two tried to poke at her. Surprisingly, the agile girl was able to dodge for quite some time:

she ducked under one poke, then dodged the other by jumping through the chains of one of the swings. As they chased her, Pinkie Pie tried to grab her, but Fluttershy evaded by doing a tuck-and-roll between the chains of one of the swings. Rarity approached from behind, as Pinkie rose again, running at her.

Although Fluttershy dodged Rarity, Pinkie Pie tackled Fluttershy to the ground, smiling at her work.

“That’s another one! Only three more to go.” Pinkie Pie declared, as Fluttershy was now part of the posse.

Their eyes fell onto Applejack, who smiled sheepishly. “Hey there.” She said, tipping her hat.

“Go!” Pinkie yelled, laughing. They all charged after Applejack, who turned tail and ran towards Rainbow Dash.

“Agh! Get away from me, you’ll get me caught too, you apple-bucker!” Rainbow Dash yelled out, running away with her. As a good sport, she wouldn’t use her wings.

“Nope. We’ll get caught together!” Applejack laughed, as both ran to a series of sets in the playground.

“Good luck, apple-girl.” Rainbow Dash smirked.

“You too, jocky.” Applejack smirked back.

Rainbow Dash, going the more agile way, jumped, putting her hands on a bar looming over head, and vaulted the small railing-guard.

Fluttershy quickly followed, but couldn’t keep up, as Rainbow Dash landed, and slid, turning her body backwards and turning tail beneath Fluttershy, before she could even land.

“Oh my, she’s fast!” Fluttershy thought, landing and turning around to take pursuit.

Applejack, figuring she couldn’t do that, instead jumped for the same bar, and expertly climbed the series of metal poles and bars with an excellent display of strength and endurance.

However, slipping up and falling, she found herself tangled in the mess, as Rarity and Pinkie Pie advanced.

Rainbow Dash found herself in a similar predicament, tangled in a rope climbing jungle, after not paying attention to where she was going.

“You’re it!” Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy yelled simultaneously, tagging their respective pursued target.

“Ya got me.” Applejack giggled, grabbing her hat from beside her and climbing down.

“Yep, me too.” Rainbow Dash chuckled, as Fluttershy helped her untangle herself.

“Only one left.” Applejack smirked, as all eyes scanned for the final one.

They found Twilight, sitting atop the brick wall, smiling at them.

“There you are, Princess. Mind coming down and letting us tag you?” Applejack asked, smirking. Twilight dropped from the wall, landing as dust rose slightly.

“If you can.” She said, with a rather confident smile.

“Ohhh, confident are we?” Rainbow Dash said, as the five girls began to surround her.

Just as they started closing in, Twilight extended her wings, and gave one powerful flap, raising a load of dust.

“Get her!” Pinkie Pie yelled through the cloud of dust.

Twilight ducked under the charging Applejack, just barely missing her. She then jumped over Pinkie Pie, who ran next. While in the air, she leaned back, just skimming by Rainbow Dash who jumped for her.

However, that was the end of the line, as Twilight fell onto her back, and the dust had cleared.

“She’s done for!” Rainbow Dash declared with a laugh, as they all jumped onto Twilight in a doggy-pile.

Laughs and giggles filled the air, as the Six friends laid out next to each other in the dust.

“So much for keeping myself clean. Oh well, it was fun, I suppose.” Rarity sighed, catching her breath.

“It sure was. I didn’t think you guys would catch me in all that dust.” Twilight laughed.

“That was a dirty move, y’know.” Applejack chuckled.

“I prefer the term ‘strategic’”. Twilight giggled.

The girls laughed and talked for some more, just enjoying each other’s’ company.

…

…

…

All of their small-talk went silent as they heard the gate shift. Getting up in an instant, they spotted a figure in a hooded jet-black cloak walk in.

The figure was silent, as it seemingly floated over to them, as the long cloak blocked vision of all its foot movement.

“Who are you?” Twilight asked, on the defensive.

“Well, well, well…” the figure spoke, as a white, toothy smirk could be seen under the darkness of the cloak’s hood.

“If it isn’t…” it continued, as two hands slipped out the cloak, removing the hood.

“Twilight Sparkle.” She finished, her smirk wide.

“Trixie!” Twilight gasped, even more on the defensive knowing who it was.

“What the hay?” Applejack said, confused. “Didn’t we ban you from here?” Applejack asked.

“Inconsequential.” Trixie stated simply, holding her palm to Applejack, as if to shush her. She reached within her cloak and withdrew her cutie-mark-themed wizards’ hat.

“She’s right… You and I both know you’re not allowed here Trixie; not after that ordeal with the Amulet.” Twilight said, brow raised.

“Again, inconsequential. You will listen to, and accept my offer, Sparkle.” Trixie spoke.

As Twilight studied her, she noticed some things were different, and began to evaluate in her head.

“Her eyes have an odd crimson glow… She hasn’t yet referred to herself in the third person… She’s much too calm for the Trixie I know… She’s got a rather gloomy feel to her… What else?” Twilight thought, scanning her closely.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

Trixie held up three fingers. “I want to challenge you and your friends to a Third Duel.” Trixie declared.

“What? And have more fighting? No, fighting is bad, cake is gooood!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, running up to Trixie and offering her a plate of cake that seemingly appeared out of thin air.

Ignoring Pinkie Pie entirely, and tipping her hat over her eyes, she continued.

“I’ve gotten better since I was here last.” She said, a small smirk on her face. Her crimson eyes became more apparent, as she stared directly into Twilight’s eyes.

The stare unnerved Twilight. Trixie was emitting some sort of force that she couldn’t put her tongue on, but it put a strange hex of fear over Twilight, as she felt her heartrate speed up. She couldn’t let it show, however.

“Oh? And what makes you think I’ll accept?” Twilight queried. “It’s not as if I’m entitled to just duel you. I could simply call the authorities to sweep you back out of town.” Twilight said, in a threatening tone.

“Oh, I feel that you’ll be obligated to accept. Because if you don’t…” Trixie stated, as she aimed the palm of her hand at Fluttershy. Fluttershy was covered in the magenta-colored magical aura as she floated unwillingly over to Trixie.

With the other hand, a small, but clearly devastating ball of crimson red magical energy appeared in Trixie’s palm.

“I might just roast this poor little girl.” Trixie stated, with a rather sadistic smile. The energy the ball of magic gave off gave her cloak a gentle flutter, and organized waves of dust.

“Whoa, that’s no good! Here, have TWO plates of cake!” Pinkie Pie offered, holding another plate and trying to get Trixie to calm down, to no avail.

“That magic’s no joke. I can feel that power from here!” Twilight thought, balling her fists in realization that she'd have to accept.

“Twi, think about this, don’t act rashly.” Applejack warned in a whisper. “She might just be bluffing.” She said.

Shaking her head, Twilight disagreed.

“Alright, Trixie, put her down. Let’s duel.” Twilight agreed, as Applejack face-palmed.

Trixie smiled contently, dropping Fluttershy, as Pinkie Pie caught her with a balloon.

“Trixie, please! Let’s be nice, and talk over a plate of some of the finest apple pie I have to offer!” Pinkie Pie pleaded, holding a plate of apple pie out to her.

Glaring at Pinkie Pie, Trixie held out her hand. Pinkie’s face lit up, but was devastated, as a small magical force push emitted from Trixie’s hand, blowing over the plate, as it dropped and cracked, the pie slopping on the ground.

“I don’t have the patience for your antics. I like your other much better.” Trixie snarled.

“Hey, enough! What’re the rules of this stupid duel anyway? Is it alchemy this time? Perhaps transmogrification?” Twilight questioned.

“I never said this duel was strictly magical: this is a duel to the death, Twilight Sparkle. Winner keeps their life. Loser… Well, let’s just say they might lose their head.” Trixie said with a small chuckle at her own dark humor. All eyes fell on her, as the mood fell silent. That’s when it hit Twilight!

“Wait, didn’t Luna say that the Tantabus was stolen by someone in a black cloak…? It can’t be…” Twilight thought.

“D-death…?” Twilight echoed, not quite sure if she heard that entirely correctly. “Trixie, are you loopy or something? Now you’re just talking reckless.” Twilight said. She noticed that her friends beside her shifted uncomfortably.

“I don’t like this… Something’s about to happen.” Fluttershy commented.

“Twilight… Careful, she’s not looking right. Do you feel that nasty force coming off her? And those crimson eyes… I think this is what Celestia warned us about.” Rainbow Dash said, flying next to Twilight’s ear.

Twilight nodded. “Yeah. Violent threat, then this talk about death… What’s the motive though?” Twilight questioned. Rainbow Dash shrugged.

“Trixie, why are you dueling me again? And why are your stakes suddenly so high? What’re you after?” Twilight asked.

“You’ve already accepted. I need not explain myself. Draw.” Trixie stated simply, as the ball of magic in her hand reappeared. It seemed slightly larger and more destructive this time around, as she aimed it at Twilight.

“Oh, and you may want to take this seriously: I wasn’t kidding, you might lose your life.” Trixie giggled. That giggle set off sensors in all six of the girls saying: she’s dangerous.

Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash, who were beside Twilight took defensive stances as well.

“If she fights, we all fight.” Applejack stated.

Trixie looked to her sides, as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy nodded, giving their best mean glare.

“The cake is still valid though, in case you just wanna talk over this obviously bad idea.” Pinkie Pie offered, sliding over a plate of cake.

Trixie smirked. “Is that so? In that case…” she began, lifting her hand and aiming it to Pinkie Pie instead, as she was met with the sight of the powerful crimson ball of magic.

[Slow-Motion Initiates…]

“The annoying one goes first.” Trixie stated coldly with a large smirk, as the red ball of magic burst into a small beam.

“Pinkie, move!” Rainbow Dash yelled, attempting to fly in the way, but it was too late.

“Huh-?” was all Pinkie could mutter, before the beam hit her full-on and exploded in her chest, blasting her back with great velocity. She crashed into the brick wall, slumping into the tiny hole her crash made, losing consciousness immediately.

Pinkie Pie’s chest smoked and steamed from being hit by the destructive blast.

[Slow-Motion Ceases…]

All fell silent, as the five pairs of eyes fell on Trixie.

“H-how could you…?” Applejack murmured in a moment of pure surprise, which quickly turned into rage. “How could you?!” Applejack yelled, running for Trixie, fist cocked back.

“You… you sick jerk! Pinkie didn’t deserve that!” Rainbow Dash yelled, dashing for Trixie as well.

“I told you already; this isn’t a game. Be glad that I didn’t kill the brat.” Trixie smiled, as the two approached her.

“Besides; all of you took part in my downfall. All for one, and one for all, am I right?” Trixie asked rhetorically, with a smug smirk that only further enraged her two approaching combatants.

Applejack, being the first up, slugged her hardest punch at Trixie. With no effort, Trixie removed her hand from her cloak, and blocked it. The force, however, blew off her cloak, revealing Trixie’s full body.

She wore simple navy blue pants and a shirt, with a galaxy-themed cape similar to her arcane-mark. But what surprised everyone after that, was her back. They all knew Trixie was an arcane human, but she had wings on her back.

“T-Trixie’s an Alicorn now?!” Twilight gasped, as Luna’s words replayed in her head.

“Alicorn or not, I’m still kicking your hide for what you did to Pinkie!” Applejack yelled, bringing her other arm back. Before she could punch, however, Trixie slugged her arm forward into Applejack’s gut so hard, that the force was visible behind her.

Dropping to her knees, Applejack was stunned.

“Hiyah!” Rainbow Dash yelled, as she attempted to drop-kick Trixie. With great reflexes, Trixie side-stepped it and grabbed Rainbow Dash’s leg, tossing her into Applejack, as they both skidded back.

Both stood, but Trixie was already on her way to them. She leaned to the right, for Applejack.

“I heard you’re strong; let me show you just how weak you are.” Trixie smirked.

With no time for anything else but defense, Applejack held her hands up in an ‘X’ to defend.

Trixie ran and uppercut Applejack into the sky, easily breaking through her defense.

As she was in the sky, Trixie unfolded her wings, and blasted into the sky towards Applejack, grabbing her forearms. With a few spins throughout the air that transcended into speed so fast it seemed to be a blur of Trixie’s blue and Applejack’s orange, Trixie had let go, hurling Applejack into the concrete.

*SMASH!*

Applejack crashed into the ground, making a small crater, as she was half-covered in rubble. Her hat laid beside her.

“Applejack!” Rainbow Dash yelled for the unmoving girl in the small crater.

“You’re next. I heard you’re fast.” Trixie smiled. “Allow me to show you real speed.” She offered, already next to Rainbow-Dash.

As Rainbow-Dash frantically kicked at her, her foot had seemingly gone through Trixie, as her image disappeared into nothingness.

“Holy moly, she’s fast!” Rainbow Dash thought, as she turned and was met by a fist. Quickly, she side-stepped it, but many more came, at impossibly fast speeds. Kicks, too!

Rainbow Dash found an opening and punched. Trixie blocked it, stopping her onslaught, as they locked eyes. Rainbow Dash panted, all the dodging fatiguing her.

However, she knew she had to move quick: Rainbow Dash then quickly swept, but Trixie jumped over it. Rainbow Dash tried to quickly follow up with a back-hand, but was too slow, as Trixie caught it and kicked her back.

Dashing forward, she smiled. “You’re done.”

She punched three times at Rainbow Dash’s gut, swift and powerful. Rainbow Dash attempted to sloppily elbow down at her, but was too slow, as Trixie jumped to the side in a twirl, kicking Rainbow Dash’s neck. Rainbow Dash stumbled to the side.

Trixie didn’t let up on her speedy combo though; she ran all around Rainbow Dash, throwing multiple punches and kicks. She appeared and disappeared repeatedly, circling Rainbow Dash with great speed while attacking.

“Float like a butterfly," Trixie began, as Rainbow Dash was hit in the side by a knee. "Sting like a bee,” Trixie taunted, as Rainbow Dash only became more bruised. Finally, Trixie appeared definitely, floating over Rainbow Dash, a red glow in her hand.

As Rainbow Dash turned, it was too late.

“How will you hit what you just can’t see?” she smirked, as an explosion sent Rainbow Dash crashing to the ground. Her body steamed slightly, as her body laid facedown, unmoving.

Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity – the only ones left conscious – stared at Trixie, in a fear-induced awe.

Twilight, in particular, stared at Trixie, legs glued to the ground, and her lavender pupils shaking in fear.

“Not even a full 90 seconds, and she’s already incapacitated the two best fighters of our group!” Twilight thought frantically, looking down at her shaking hands.

“Look at my hands… They’re shaking; all my body, it’s shaking…” Twilight thought frantically.

Trixie dusted her hands off and turned to face Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity.

Twilight wanted to say something, but as she made eye-contact with Trixie, the words lost their way in her mind. When Twilight made contact with those red-tinted eyes of hers, the force made itself apparent again.

As Trixie walked slowly towards the three, it emitted that soft, forceful wave again. It washed over the three, but in Twilight, it sent a chill down her spine that echoed throughout her whole body.

Twilight couldn’t figure out what the force she was feeling was exactly, but she knew one thing: Trixie was very serious about this duel.

Trixie began to jog towards the three.

“Fluttershy and Rarity aren’t exactly known for their fighting… Well, neither are you, but you’re the Alicorn here, protect them!” Twilight told herself. Her body, however, refused to move.

“Protect them, darn it! You’re an Alicorn, you’re their best chance for survival!” Twilight thought. But her legs felt as if they were covered in lead, and her body was heavy with fear.

Trixie finally appeared in front of the three. With a devastating kick, Rarity was sent flying into the wall before she could even recognize any movement in Trixie. Twilight could feel the force of it from where she stood.

*Crash!*

Twilight heard Rarity crash into the wall, and then a small thud of her falling to the ground, then nothing.

“Just you two, now.” Trixie said, turning to face Fluttershy and Twilight.

The red magic that Trixie was using manifested the fingers of her right hand, into a makeshift, weaponized claw.

Twilight gulped, as Fluttershy gasped. Looking at Fluttershy, she smiled, and decided she wasn’t a threat.

“My life’s been a living hell since that duel… But now… Now I have insight on how to set things right.” Trixie said maniacally, as she disappeared, moving with impossible speed.

“So weak. Not even worth the time.” Trixie said, appearing in front of Fluttershy, as she kneed her in the chest, sending her flying back into the base of a large tree. Trixie turned to Twilight.

“Die here, or show me that you’re worth keeping alive for even a short time.” Trixie ordered, as she dashed at Twilight, the claw borne.

Trixie slashed upwards at Twilight’s neck, as Twilight just barely jumped back in time to dodge.

“Trixie, this is crazy! I’m not even entirely sure why you’re so bent on revenge!” Twilight cried out, as she ducked beneath another slash, chopping away some of her hair.

“Really? You’ve forgotten how I’ve been left homeless for so long? With no home, no place to go? Is that what you’re unsure about?” Trixie asked rhetorically, as Twilight pulled up a magical shield to block her.

Trixie jumped, and shattered the shield with one punch, grabbing Twilight by the collar and holding her up by the neck with one hand, and aiming the claw at her with the other.

“You brought that on yourself!” Twilight yelled in a struggle, as she focused her magic, and teleported behind Trixie, fist cocked back.

Much too fast for Twilight though, Trixie immediately turned, grabbing Twilight’s leg, dragging her towards her.

With a powerful punch, Trixie pummeled Twilight into the concrete, as Twilight yelped in pain.

Just as Twilight got up, Trixie sent three small, but sharp needles of wood towards Twilight. Twilight, being too slow, only lifted her shoulder to defend, and hissed, as the three stubs of wood impaled her arm.

“Agh!” Twilight gasped. She had no rest, however, as Trixie ran at her once more. Trixie made a small hop, lifting her legs. With a powerful kick, she sent Twilight flying, as she skidded across the concrete, coming to a stop.

Twilight tried to stand, but she felt extremely weak. “Nngh…!” she grunted, trying to get up once more, but failed, falling to a knee.

Trixie smirked, walking up to the fallen Twilight.

Suddenly, a rock flew and hit Trixie in the side of the head, knocking her in the head. Although it didn’t seem to do anything physically, it did grab her anger and attention.

Both Twilight and Trixie stared at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy seemed to realize what she had done, but refused to shrink away.

“I’m tired of being the weak one!” Fluttershy thought.

“You weak, little runt. I’ll make sure you never walk again.” Trixie declared.

“No, you’re the weak one, Trixie! Resorting to violence to relieve emotional pain is weakness!” Fluttershy said confidently.

“Let’s see if you have the same confidence with this claw severing your body. Then you’ll learn to keep your mouth shut when people of worth are in business.” Trixie said coldly, as she dashed towards Fluttershy.

[Slow-Motion Initiates…]

“Flutters, move!” Twilight coughed, as Trixie ran at Fluttershy, who attempted to block.

“She won’t be able to block an attack with a weapon like that!” Twilight thought, as she focused her magic once more, despite being weak already.

As Twilight teleported in front of Fluttershy, she held her hands out to try and stop her. Everything silhouetted, showing one figure with their hand dug in another’s chest, holding her body off the ground. The one off the ground was holding the hand of the other, trying to stop the movement of the hand.

[Slow-Motion Ceases…]

“Aghck!” Twilight coughed, as drops of liquid were heard.

Fluttershy gasped, as she watched blood trail down Trixie’s arm, from Twilight’s chest.

Twilight’s face was in stress and pain, as she coughed again, blood leaking down her bottom lip onto her chin.

“How utterly and disgustingly weak.” Trixie commented, towards Fluttershy, as she dug her claw deeper into Twilight, who grasped Trixie’s hand harder in an attempt to stop her from causing more pain.

“Nngah!” Twilight groaned, feeling her blood drip out.

In one swift move, Trixie removed her claw from Twilight’s chest and kicked her back into the wall.

Twilight sat, slumped against the wall, holding her chest, as the blood began to stain her clothing. Her face seemed to pale by the second, as blood seeped between her fingers.

“T-Twilight…” Fluttershy murmured, tears welling in the corners of her eyes.

“Yes, look at her. All because you were so weak.” Trixie taunted.

Turning to Trixie, Fluttershy balled her fists hard.

“You… you jerk! You’ll regret this!” Fluttershy swore. She began to regret her weakness now. She knew it was there, but never quite admitted it; she didn’t feel the need to address until a situation such as this.

“She was hurt… Because of my weakness… I want to become strong…!” Fluttershy thought, with gritted teeth, as she glared at Trixie.

“Empty words of a weak link.” Trixie stated.

Fed up, Fluttershy ran at Trixie, lifting her leg, and kicking.

Trixie side-stepped it, grabbing a hold of Fluttershy’s leg. “Try again, weakling.” She taunted, pulling Fluttershy towards her and tossing her into a piece of the brick wall, as the wall crumbled over Fluttershy.

The rubble stayed still, covering Fluttershy, as Trixie smirked, turning.

But the rubble moved, and Fluttershy stood again; bruised, and hurt from the impact, but she stood nonetheless.

“I’m not weak!” she declared. However, before she could do anything else, Trixie was already in front of her, an annoyed look on her face.

Fluttershy punched, but Trixie caught it, holding her in place.

“As I said… You’re weak. Address me when you’re not just some friend to protect.” Trixie said, as she lifted her leg high above her head.

With a devastatingly powerful descent, Trixie kicked Fluttershy face-down into the concrete, smiling sadistically.

As she laid there unmoving, Trixie made her way to Twilight once again.

However, she heard movement, and turned to Fluttershy, her smile gone.

“I’m… I’m not weak,…!” Fluttershy droned on. A stream of blood leaked down her forehead, covering a fair amount of her face. Her eyes seemed faded, as if she was on the verge of unconsciousness.

In that moment, Twilight appeared in front of Fluttershy, and leaned her down back onto the ground. Tapping her gently, Twilight spoke in a soft voice.

“You aren’t weak, Fluttershy… Rest now, that’s one nasty injury.” Twilight spoke, facing Trixie.

Twilight stood with a slight hunch, the pain of her bleeding, impaled chest, crippling her.

“It would seem I’ve made my point here quite well; this duel isn’t a joke Twilight.” Trixie began walking up to Twilight, a red ball appearing in her hand.

“And if you don’t find a means to combat me under these circumstances next time, I won’t be able to promise you this generosity.” Trixie finished, holding her hand aimed at Twilight.

“Just… Who are you? You can’t be Trixie, you just can’t be!” Twilight asked.

“I am soon to be a monument to all your sins, Twilight. But for now…” Trixie finished, as she mumbled something inaudible.

“Wha-?” Twilight asked, but was interrupted as she was blasted back with one final, large beam of magic, blowing her into the tree. As she fell, slumped against the tree, her entire body steamed in great quantity; her skin had noticeable burns, scars, cuts, bruises, and other wounds, and her chest wound still bled, however less severely, as the beam of magic somewhat cauterized it.

With no words, Trixie picked up her cloak, removed her hat, and reapplied the hood, exiting the playground.

With one eye open, and in extreme pain, Twilight forced herself to stand.

She reached into her breast pocket and got the tattered cards that the Principals gave her. She attempted to get her cellphone, but the blood-loss and immense pain echoing throughout her body got to her, as she fell, thudding against the ground, joining the rest of the girls in unconsciousness…

[The scene drew out here, half-silhouetted, showing each of the girls in defeat, save for Applejack who was covered in rubble so that nothing but her hat was visible...]

And just like that, the Mane Six was defeated in a span of nearly a mere 10 minutes. It seems that our Heroes have their work cut out for them, but questions linger… What exactly is Trixie after? Why didn’t she take it right then and there? What else lurks in this mix? How is she an Alicorn? Many more questions linger, but I suppose that will just have to wait… Maybe our heroes will find out; or maybe they will be unprepared for the growing evil, and be devoured before they can even understand just how deep of a mess they’ve been dragged in…