The Third Duel

by Mega T22

Rating: mature
Tags: Dark, Anthro, Romance, Adventure, Equestria Girls
Length: 18603

Trixie decides to challenge Twilight to a third duel, however, this time things are very different... The city of Equestria is about to experience cataclysmic catastrophe, and it is up to The Mane Six, who've never experienced ~real~ evil, to stop it

[size=0.75em]#Rewrite! You can read the original here (click me!). But beware, it's pretty bad.[/size]
"Your world will burn until it is but glass!"

When Trixie decides to challenge Twilight to a third duel, The Mane Six will quickly realize that everything they thought was real evil equates to nothing more than a triviality in the face of these new entities, powers, and motives. As things escalate one crisis at a time, it will become very clear that all is not as it seems, and that there is a greater motive, a greater end-goal, than just another duel, or just some vengeance. No, it's much bigger than just that…

P.S: Takes place after Season 5, Episode 26.
Oh, and if you want to read the old version, I just realized it's actually still up on fanfiction: The Third Duel (Old) THERE ARE SPOILERS!
Credit for the Cover Photo:
Uploader: AdrianImpalaMata
Link to Picture: Twilight Sparkle + Trixie - Magic Duel (Wallpaper)
Also, this story (or parts of the first chapter, at least) was inspired by the amazing piece that is Tuxe's Magic Duel.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-08-29 15:45:40 UTC

A New Kind Of Evil - Chapter 1

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…

Targeted - Chapter 2

Fluttershy had awoken, finally. Her head throbbed like crazy. She brought her hand to her forehead, and felt the crusted blood and the clot at the source. She stood, stumbling. As she observed her surroundings, she noticed that her friends were still unconscious. Dazed, and looking into the sky, she could see that dusk was arriving, evident from the deep-orange sky.

Her gaze averted to the unconscious Twilight, who was paling. Her shirt was red, where the claw had made contact with her; even in unconsciousness, the pain was etched onto her face clearly, as her chest heaved slowly up and down. Beside her were two cards.

“Celestia and Luna!” Fluttershy gasped, rushing over to the cards. She quickly dialed the numbers.

“Hello, this is Canterlot High School speaking.” Luna answered.

“U-um, Principal, there’s been an emergency! W-we’re at the playground… Please hurry, it was Trixie!” Fluttershy said in a ramble.

“Lulamoon? What of her?” Luna asked.

“Principal, please, there’s no time! They’re hurt, badly! We need an ambulance!” Fluttershy urged.

“… Understood. We’ll be there shortly, Fluttershy. Please, stay calm.” Luna said, before a click was heard.

Fluttershy put the phone away, and felt her forehead again. Blood still leaked, and her head felt woozy. She stumbled, falling onto her butt. She was about to lay down, before Trixie’s words replayed in her head.

“You’re weak. Address me when you’re not just some friend to protect.”

Fluttershy wanted to lay down. Her head throbbed, and her body ached from Trixie’s assault. Her vision was woozy… But she was conscious. In terrible pain and trauma at experiencing something so gruesome so suddenly; yet, still conscious and able.

“Laying down now will only prove her point… It’ll only prove that I *am** weak… I’ve gotta do what I can!*” Fluttershy thought with determination. She stumbled back up and reached inside her backpack, pulling out a first aid kit.

“It’s usually just for the animals, but it’ll have to do!” Fluttershy said to herself, rolling out some bandages and stumbling over to Twilight.

She watched Twiilight, mouth agape. The blood seeped between her fingers, the stubs of wood impaled in her shoulder and arm, and her bruises and cuts.

What caught her the most was the nasty wound on her chest.

“All because you were so *weak.***”

Trixie’s words echoed through her head, as Fluttershy shook her head back and forth, brows furrowed. She clutched her fist, as she knelt, examining Twilight.

“How utterly and disgustingly *weak.***”

Fluttershy gritted her teeth, as she began to cover and pressure Twilight’s chest wound with the bandage. Her eyes became shiny, as she vowed to herself to get stronger. Maybe then, she could prevent such atrocities. Maybe then, she wouldn’t be so entirely useless…

[Somewhere Farther And Isolated…]

A cloaked figure walked through two large gate-doors. As they slammed shut, 5 shadowed characters inside turned their attention to her. Three of them, feminine, were grouped together. Behind them were two figures; one very tall and masculine, the other of a medium build, and feminine.

In the dull darkness of the cloudy dusk, their features were nigh-unrecognizable.

One of the girls from the group of three walked up to the cloaked figure as they uncloaked themselves.

“Trixie. Finally decided to show up, huh?” one of the girls spoke, her arms crossed.

“Apologies for my tardiness. I just felt I had to get a point across with those pesky girls, is all.” Trixie said, a smirk on her face as she casually blew on her nails.

The girl on the wall beside the man walked over to Trixie.

“What did you do to them?” the girl asked. She seemed to have purple hair with cerulean highlights.

“Oh you know… Roughed ‘em up a bit. I wanted them to be clear that they would die if they weren’t prepared for the real deal.” Trixie shrugged.

The girl plopped her hand onto Trixie’s shoulder. “Remember Trixie, we’re not here solely for revenge. We can’t be so ruthless.” The girl said, a hint of compassion on her voice for the girls.

Trixie frowned, using her magic to remove the girl’s hand. “Goodness, if you’ve grown a soft-spot for them in the short time you’ve befriended them, please eject yourself from the project.” Trixie stated, skinning her nose up at her.

She then made a small, yet obviously powerful and destructive ball of magic in her hand. “Though, I suppose that would mean you’d have to die… You already know too much, after all.” Trixie smirked, looking down at her.

The girl created her own ball of magic, revealing that she too, was an Arcane Human. “Would you truly try your luck against someone who could bend time, Trixie?” the girl asked. The glow from the magic just barely illuminated a small smirk on her lips.

“Oh really? The same one who had to give in and display a sob story because her plans got thrashed from a paradoxical hiccup? You are pathetic.” Trixie said, as the ball in her hand grew.

“Right, because the one who was beat and abandoned twice in a row isn’t the true example of pathetic.” The girl said, as both circled each other.

Just before things could get any further, the man on the wall snapped his fingers, and appeared between the two in a puff of magic.

He ate the ball of magic within the girl’s hand, before patting his mouth with a napkin.

“Why you-” she growled, before the man put his hand upon her forehead, tapping it gently. “You know how powerful Trixie is, dear. The only thing time would delay is your demise, should you make her your enemy now.” The man said, as she pouted, crossing her arms.

“And as for you, Trixie… If you wish for this plan to be carried out, you need each and every one of us; so I suggest keeping relations on an all-time positive.” The man said with a humble bow, before excusing himself.

Trixie frowned, as the ball of magic disappeared. “Ah, that’s right… I did forget that The Great and Powerful Trixie needs help from us. How ironic.” The girl teased.

Trixie growled, before calming. She turned to the group of three girls.

“So, outcasts. Have you reached your decision yet?” Trixie asked towards the three girls. The one in front spoke.

“You’re one to talk… If you’ve come here to patronize us Trixie, then you can say goodbye to the help you apparently need.” The girl countered. After a few seconds of silence, she smiled, and continued.

“Anyway, I’ve had the pleasure of being briefed on the plan by that crazy, tall one. I could help, sure… But what’s in it for us?” she bargained.

“I recognize that you all are in need of enough power to return home from banishment. Well, if this succeeds, we will not only have enough power to return you home, but to ensure you could rule the land as well. I hear you three are into power, after all…” Trixie smiled.

The girl smiled back, seeming satisfied. “You have our power then.” She said.

“Great. So then-”

“But allow me to make one thing clear, Trixie.” The girl continued, interrupting Trixie.

“These are my sisters; their lives matter to me, yours does not. I hope you remember that.” The girl said, her tone very serious, whilst gesturing to the two girls behind her. An eerie silence followed… Trixie seemed taken aback, stopping in place and staring at her.

One of the girls she gestured to sighed and filed her nails. “Chill out, sis. You take things too far.” She said in a rather bored voice.

Suddenly, Trixie’s frown turned into a sly smirk. “I’ll be sure to remember that, seasinger. Thank you for the head’s up.”

Trixie said, as her amulet glowed a faint crimson.

“So then, we are all in accordance?” Trixie asked.

They all gave brief nods and “yeses”.

“Great. If that’s the case, then I already have your next courses of action planned out.” Trixie said.

“Is that so? Well then, for the love of Starswirl, let’s get this going.” One of the girls spoke.

“Alright, listen carefully, because I’ll only go over this once…” Trixie began…

[Back With Our Injured Heroes…]

Fluttershy held her forehead again, as her head throbbed. She had just finished with Rainbow Dash, and the last one left was the least severe; Rarity.

She stumbled over, as her ears began to ring. The ringing only seemed to enhance the already-painful throbbing in her head, but she refused to be weak any longer.

As she knelt beside Rarity, she heard the gates creak open. She turned, and felt immediate relief as she recognized the two figures; Principals Celestia and Luna!

Before she could even crack a smile, she realized Celestia kneeling in front of Twilight within seconds. She was absolutely sure she hadn’t even witnessed her move!

“Such speed!” Fluttershy thought, as she watched Celestia move her hand towards Twilight.

Suddenly, she felt a small, forceful pulse behind her. As she turned, Luna was next to her. She was caught off-guard at the sudden display of speed.

“Sorry to startle you. It seems that my visions were correct, however…” Luna said in a solemn manner, as she looked upon the destroyed playground.

“Can you explain to me exactly what happened? Details, appearances, abilities, what to expect? Any information at all would be extremely helpful into moving forward with this growing… atrocity.” Luna urged.

Fluttershy wanted to speak, but instead, her words came out as gurgles and strange, worrying inconsistencies.

“Element of Kindness? Are you alright?” Luna asked.

Fluttershy shook her head, and tried to speak again, before suddenly passing out…

[Some Hours Later…]

Twilight drifted in and out of consciousness, as she heard voices murmur around her. Soon, she realized that her eyes were open and she was fully conscious, yet was unable to move.

“S-sleep paralysis?!” Twilight thought, afraid. She wasn’t even able to breathe! It felt as if she was suffocating.

Her lips couldn’t move either. Only her eyes could dart back and forth. She saw what seemed to be Celestia and Luna conversing in a darkly-lit room. Everything around the three of them was surrounded by an eerie darkness that seemed to have tentacles whipping at the three of them, wishing to consume them.

Twilight saw apparitions of her friends appear around her. They stood with their backs against the darkness, arms folded, in a uniform manner. The dimness of the room didn’t allow for Twilight to clearly see their facial features, but she knew her friends when she saw them.

“Mmm, guys, help!!” Twilight attempted to say, but it came out as muffled yelps.

Applejack stepped off of the darkness, and Twilight immediately noticed something was different. Applejack carried herself differently; although still donning her regular clothes and signature hat, her attire seemed much neater, as her clothes even seemed iron and crisp.

She also swore she saw a faint glow of fire upon her fingertips. ‘Applejack’ lifter her hand to tip her hat, as her eyes glowed an icy-gray.

“She cannot be slacking again. Are we doomed to such a leader?” ‘Applejack’ sighed, as she let go of her hat, leaving scorch marks upon it.

“I equate thee to a bear on a crisp winter dusk! Lazy.” ‘Applejack’ scolded, pointing at Twilight.

Twilight was confused. She tried to shake her head, but found that she still was in paralysis. She noticed that Celestia and Luna were engaged in heavy-talk in the background, but it seemed muffled.

“Oh please, Duplicity. Such a genius needs her beauty sleep.” Fluttershy said, walking off of the darkness, clearly addressing ‘Applejack’. She spoke elegantly, and without-a-doubt, much more confidently.

“Duplicity…? That’s not right, her name is Applejack!” Twilight thought.

However, Twilight noticed that this Fluttershy too, was different. Her clothes seemed ragged in a medieval-themed manner, yet were somehow still elegant. She also wore a crimson-colored pendant. As ‘Fluttershy’ smiled and looked towards Twilight, she noticed that ‘Fluttershy’ had crimson red eyes and extended upper-canine teeth that resembled short fangs. Lastly, her wings resembled that of a bat.

“Wouldn’t you agree, Perfidious?” ‘Fluttershy’ called out, looking towards Rainbow Dash.

As Rainbow Dash stepped off from the darkness, Twilight noticed that her looks were altered as well; ‘Rainbow Dash’ was dressed as she normally was, but her skin… It steamed, visibly letting off smoke. Twilight could swear she heard the floor sizzle beneath her steps. Her skin also glowed a faint pink, with light-red stripes that glowed even brighter, highlighting parts of her skin.

“Genius or not, you can’t excuse her tardiness, Vampire.” Perfidious said.

Twilight was confused beyond words. She also felt a sensation of asphyxiation, as she still found herself unable to breathe. She began to panic even more. The murmurs of Celestia and Luna picked up, but was still inaudible to her, sounding like garbled gibberish.

“Goodness, don’t any of you know that gossiping is so unladylike?” Rarity said, stepping from the darkness. Rarity was the only one that looked pretty much the same. Twilight couldn’t spot any differences outright. However, as she looked at Twilight, she immediately noticed the difference. This ‘Rarity’ was somehow much more elegant and ladylike, and had an air of absolute flirtatiousness about her.

Twilight swore she felt herself heat up as she saw her glistening lips. This ‘Rarity’ had different powers of seduction than the one she knew. However, the physical difference were definitely those emerald-green eyes. Twilight swore she almost lost herself in them. They were an even richer hue than Spike’s. The feeling she felt slightly alleviated her from the asphyxiation she was experiencing.

“Oh please, I’m not about to take lessons on being a lady from a copycat like you, Umbra.” ‘Fluttershy’ said with a look of pseudo-snobbishness.

“Funny.” Umbra said, folding her arms, and looking away from Twilight to ‘Fluttershy’, breaking the spell Twilight was under.

“Oh please, don’t look at me. You know what you’ll do to me.” ‘Fluttershy’ said with a playful giggle. Suddenly, a knife flew between the two, lightly cutting Umbra’s cheekbone area. Umbra pulled back and smiled, looking towards Pinkie Pie.

“Well now, look who’s left again. The usual outcast.” Umbra scoffed.

From the shadows, walked a drastically different looking ‘Pinkie Pie’. Her hair wasn’t puffy, but was straight and was lacking the usual kinks that it was known for. Her face was void of its usual exuberance, and bags lay under her eyes. In her other hand, she carried another short-blade.

She pointed it to Umbra. “Oh please; you insult everyone who isn’t immediately charmed by your seduction.” ‘Pinkie Pie’ said. Her voice was low and scratchy.

‘Flutterhsy’ approached and tipped the knife down on the sharp side, seemingly-purposely slicing her finger. Blood dripped, as she held ‘Pinkie Pie’ in her arms.

“Now, now, Diane… What did I say about pointing sharp things at our friends?” ‘Fluttershy’ said.

Diane pouted, melting into the hold of ‘Fluttershy’.

“But she flirted with my Flutterbat.” Diane said still pouting. Flutterbat pressed her finger to her lips.

“Oh, nonsense. I’ll always be yours. Remember whose blood is in this pendant, dear.” Flutterbat cooed, kissing Diane’s neck.

Perfidious scoffed at the sight. As she did, a puff of steam released from her mouth.

Twilight was sure she was reaching her limit at this point. The asphyxiation was getting to her, and she started zoning out of the asphyxiation. The darkness seemed to grab at her. She was sure this was no longer sleep paralysis, but that some power was absolutely choking something out of her. She tried to keep herself conscious and away from what felt like death by analyzing the situation.

“So Rainbow Dash here is *Perfidious, Fluttershy is apparently **Flutterbat, Applejack is Duplicity, Pinkie Pie is, strangely enough, Diane, and last but not least, Rarity is Umbra… But then, what do they call me?*” Twilight thought, trying to keep her vision straight.

Instead, she tried to listen to Celestia and Luna who were still conversing. However, it still sounded like a garbled mess. Twilight felt herself going, despite fighting against it.

“Goodness, how long is she going to sleep for? Awake from thy slumber!” Duplicity shouted, glaring at Twilight with an annoyed look.

Just before Twilight lost her grip on consciousness, she saw an apparition rise up out of her. Its hair looked just like her own, but she could only see its back, and was still in paralysis. Twilight could see that it was covered in a murky, jet-black aura though. Ominous down to the feel of its very presence.

“Is that…?” Twilight thought, trying to hold on.

“It’s about time. You’ve been sleeping fooooreveerrrrr! You know how much of Diane and the vampire’s lovebird crap we had to go through waiting for you?” Perfidious complained, groaning.

♪ ♫ ♬“It’s a new day, a new life, for me… and I’m fee-eeling good!”♪ ♫ ♬ The apparition upon Twilight sang, as it stood up, leaving whatever Twilight was laying upon.

“Welcome, Nightmare.” Flutterbat greeted formally, as the others greeted whatever this ‘Nightmare’ was.

Before Nightmare responded, she turned to Twilight, where Twilight got a very good look.

They certainly resembled each other, but Nightmare too, was different. One of her eyes, were a crimson red, while the other was pure sky-blue. Her hair was messy and scattered, and her face screamed deranged with those baggy eyes and that crooked smile. She resembled Twilight whilst Twilight was drugged up on the thought of failing Celestia as a student. Last, but not least, was that same murky, black aura that resembled the very darkness that surrounded them. Suddenly, Nightmare drew close to Twilight, with her palm extended.

As Nightmare grew closer, her smile grew as well. She chanted something lowly, waving her hand over Twilight.

Twilight found that the asphyxiation stopped, and she could clearly hear now. She wanted to listen in on Celestia and Luna, but the darkness seemed to muffle their words.

She found that she could now move her mouth as well and breathe freely, despite her other movements still being restricted.

“W-what’s-?!” Twilight was about to question furiously, as Nightmare shushed her with a single finger to her lips.

“You deserve no explanation right now, false user.” Nightmare said with a small giggle.

“I was right, Nightmare. What do you think?” Flutterbat asked.

“I think that whoever removed the seal is either a fool or just plain ignorant. They know not what horrors they’ve unleashed.” Nightmare said, holding back her chuckles.

Twilight was afraid. These weren’t her friends. They all seemed… something close to evil. She knew for sure that she didn’t want their company.

“However, I know now that it wasn’t a fluke. Good job, bat. Perhaps I was wrong about you.” Nightmare said, looking towards Flutterbat.

Flutterbat was silent, but sent back an unreadable look.

“What be our next course of action, milady? Slumber until the next convenience, or shall we discuss what to do about the obvious tampering of the Tan-,” Duplicity began before Nightmare appeared in front of her, palm over her mouth.

Nightmare pointed towards Twilight with her free hand. “I like to avoid potential complications on our plans, Duplicity.” Nightmare said, as Duplicity nodded. Nightmare subsequently removed her hand.

“On that note, we shall return to slumber. You are all dismissed, I wish to privately speak with my false user.” Nightmare said.

Without another utterance of a word, the apparitions of Twilight’s friends disappeared into the darkness, where Twilight presumed her real friends were.

“Um, other me? Could you explain to me what’s going on? I am beyond baffled!” Twilight inquired.

“I won’t go back on my previous words. You deserve no explanations with your current opinions and beliefs. You’re inconsistent. Too much so for me to confide any of the details that you seek within you.” Nightmare said, now donning a more philosophical feel about herself rather than a deranged one. Her smile was no longer crooked, and her murky aura was replaced with a gentle, lavender one, much like Twilight’s own.

“I am instead, here, for you to make of this what you will. Maybe I can open your eyes some.” Nightmare said, snapping her fingers, as the dark shied away, allowing for Celestia and Luna to be heard…

“No! I won’t allow it! We both know what that demon can do! Why not let it be us instead of them? They are still young, sister, open your eyes!” Luna said, as Twilight listened intently.

“Our time is up, Luna! It has to be them! We are no longer the bearers of the Elements of Harmony!” Celestia argued.

“That gives us no excuse to not give it our all to defend this city. We always have, sister, and we always will, remember? We are the ones who should seek an audience, not them!” Luna rebutted.

Celestia looked Twilight directly in the eye.

“Wait, she can see us?!” Twilight said.

“No. We’re not in their plane of view.” Nightmare replied.

Celestia sighed, turning back to her sister. “No, Luna. This city needs new public heroes.” Celestia replied.

“So you would doom them to an audience with that monster…?” Luna questioned. She folded her arms and shook her head.

“You’ve been acting different ever since we felt the energy spike from the amulet; ever since I lost the Tantabus; and ever since Twilight’s been harboring that negative energy. Sister, I hate to take any stance of hostility, but I am watching you… Something about you has… changed.” Luna said cautiously.

Nightmare snapped her fingers, as they were once again surrounded by darkness.

“Time’s up. I’m tired.” Nightmare yawned, as she faded away into Twilight before Twilight could ask what had even occurred.

Twilight sighed, being left in the darkness of wherever her mind was. She pondered upon what had just happened, analyzing everything hundreds of different ways as she drifted back into her own slumber.

“Perfidious, Duplicity, Diane, Flutterbat, Umbra… I can’t help but bring all of their names to negative connotations… And that uncanny resemblance… Not to mention *Nightmare*… What could it all mean? Maybe this is all just a dream…” were Twilight’s final thoughts as she drifted off to sleep.

[Some More Hours Later…]

There was light chatter in the room amongst the present members of the Mane Six; all except for two: Fluttershy, who was missing, and Twilight Sparkle who was still unconscious.

Suddenly, Twilight sat up with great haste, awakening from her slumber. She breathed heavy, and with a sweat.

“Guys!” she yelled urgently, as all eyes fell on her.

“Twilight, what’s wrong?” Celestia called, startled.

Twilight was quiet, staring down at her sheets as she clutched them harder, remembering the ‘sleep paralysis’ she experienced.

“Twi?” Applejack called. Twilight looked up at Applejack, but then looked back down at her sheets, squinting and shaking her head before she calmed herself.

“N-nothing… Just a bad dream.” Twilight said, taking a long, calming sigh.

She looked around the room at all the eyes staring at her. Staring past beyond the crowd, she saw Luna leaning against the wall next to an open window, eyes closed and brows furrowed in frustration or annoyance, she wasn’t sure which; she was only sure that it was certainly a negative mood.

The clock above her read “1:53AM”. It was barely the next day.

“Where… did we go?” Twilight asked, confused as to how they had even ended up here.

“Fluttershy called us over for aid, and we immediately flew you over to one of our medical facilities. She was working under some pretty critical head-trauma to alleviate your injuries prior to our arrival… You’re lucky to have such a strong friend, Elements of Harmony.” Luna said, addressing them all.

“Really?” Twilight asked with a face of disbelief.

“You mean our Fluttershy, right?” Rainbow Dash asked skeptically, as Applejack punched her arm. Rainbow Dash gave her a sour look.

As Twilight looked around, she noticed that Fluttershy was missing.

“Something the matter, my pupil?” Celestia asked, noticing Twilight scanning the room.

“Where’s Fluttershy? Wasn’t she with us?” Twilight asked, dragging her legs to the side of her bed, making them dangle.

“Oh, Fluttershy? She took off to the roof for a few moments alone.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Fluttershy? Alone with no company, not even an animal? That doesn’t seem likely under a normal circumstance…” Twilight said, getting up. As the sheets fell off of her body, the hive of bandages upon her abdomen (ranging from just below her shoulders to her just above her belly button) was clear. She also had bandages wrapped around just her forehead for minor head injuries.

As she stood, she immediately felt her body ache as she stumbled slightly.

Applejack, the closest, flinched into catching her, but Twilight caught herself.

“I’m fine…” Twilight said with a sheepish smile, stretching her wings as she walked slowly over to the window next to Luna.

“I’ll be back. I’ll go check up on her.” Twilight said, as she jumped onto the window sill in a crouch. Just before she jumped, Celestia called for her.

Twilight turned and sat on the window ledge.

“Yes, Principal?” Twilight asked.

“It would be most favorable if you got her down swiftly. We have discuss our next course of…” Celestia began, trailing off as her eyes reached Luna’s. Luna only glared, before Celestia quickly averted her gaze.

Celestia cleared her throat as she realized she got strange looks.

“Our next course of action, apologies. It’s imperative that we discuss this A-S-A-P.” Celestia said.

Twilight nodded. She glanced between Luna and Celestia, remembering her experience during the supposed sleep paralysis she experienced.

“Of course, Principal Celestia. Be right back, then.” Twilight said, as she pushed herself out of the window, spreading her wings, and taking off upwards.

“Principal Luna, you’ve been… fairly quiet for this whole ordeal. Is something the matter, dear?” Rarity asked, approaching the Principal.

Eyes fell onto Luna, and Celestia watched her intently as well.

The last thing Luna had wanted was for them to be worried when they already had much to worry about, so instead, she cracked a small smile.

“Just tired, children, apologies.” Luna lied, patting Rarity’s shoulder as she sent a short glance towards Celestia.

“I’m sensing some crazy bad mojo-jojo vibes here, and they don’t feel nice, so lighten up!” Pinkie Pie screamed in her usual lively manner, looking between Celestia and Luna.

“Alright dear, but please, not so loud.” Rarity complained, as the other members of the Mane Six giggled.

Unbeknownst to all of them excluding Pinkie Pie, Celestia and Luna stared at each other beyond the banter, as if having a silent conversation.

[With Twilight And Fluttershy Above The Medical Facility…]

Twilight landed softly on the cemented flat-top of the building. She immediately spotted Fluttershy in her nature-inspired pink and green dress. She sat with her knees to her chest, facing the edge of the building, looking at the night-city lights.

Even from a back-view Twilight could see her head-bandages. At least 80% of her head was covered, and some of the bandages even extended down to her shoulders.

Twilight walked up slowly, and sat beside her, silently, staring at the city and the moon with her.

“Hi, Fluttershy.” Twilight said after a few minutes of silence, not looking at her.

Fluttershy was silent, as she took her head out of her knees, and looked directly at Twilight.

“Twilight, you’re smart and honest… Am I weak? Am I always just that friend that needs saving? Am I a... burden?” Fluttershy asked, her voice a little bit scratchy as her lips wobbled on the last word.

As Twilight turned to answer, she felt her heart thump a little harder. Fluttershy’s entire face was nearly covered with bandages to help with the head-trauma and other injuries; one of her eyes were surrounded by bandage with only a slit so that she could see, while the other only had bandage below and on its left.

However, what made Twilight’s heart thump hard was Fluttershy’s condition. Tears dripped down her face, soaking the bandage on her face. Her lips were wrenched into a sad frown.

“W-what? Why would you ask that?! Of course not, Fluttershy!” Twilight said immediately, pulling Fluttershy into a hug quickly. She felt her fragile chest heave up and down as Fluttershy whimpered quietly.

“Relax, Fluttershy… You’re not weak, and you’re most certainly not a burden.” Twilight said seriously, patting her back softly.

Fluttershy pulled back, still leaking tears. She put her hand gently onto Twilight’s abdomen, as Twilight hissed and flinched back briefly.

Fluttershy’s tears picked up in quantity. “If I wasn’t weak, you’d have never gotten hurt! It was my fault!” Fluttershy sobbed. Twilight watched, her face wrenched in concern.

“Your face… All I can remember is your face when she dug that awful claw into you! You were so pale, your face actually lost its color, Twilight! And the look on your face as you slept…! Trixie was right-” Fluttershy went on in her sobbing rambles, before Twilight put her hand over Fluttershy’s mouth, shushing her.

As she pulled it away, she frowned only slightly as a stream of saliva mixed with salty tears trailed on her finger. Ignoring it, she wiped it on her skirt as she spoke.

“Trixie? So Trixie filled your head with that nonsense?” Twilight asked.

Before Fluttershy could answer, Twilight continued.

“Look, Fluttershy; strength is beyond physical capability. If that’s all it is, then believe it or not, we’re both the weakest ones here.” Twilight said, sitting and slinging her arm around Fluttershy’s neck and bringing her close.

“R-really…?” Fluttershy asked, her lip wobbling slowing, as well as her breathing and hiccups.

Twilight nodded. “Sure!” She said with a smile.

“Applejack and Rainbow Dash are obviously out of our league physically. Pinkie Pie, as an Earth Human is naturally more physically capable than us. Even Rarity: she’s skilled in the martial arts, as she’s shown on multiple occasions.” Twilight explained.

“Y-you’re… right!” Fluttershy said, with a small glimmer of hope.

“But you and I, Fluttershy… we’re weak. So do you want to make a promise with me?” Twilight asked, looking at Fluttershy.

“What’s that…?” Fluttershy asked, her crying having completely ceased now that she calmed.

“Trixie’s mean and powerful, and it’ll take a lot to defeat her, am I right?” Twilight asked, as Fluttershy nodded. Twilight smiled and looked towards the moon again, as Fluttershy pushed off of her gently, sitting straight and looking at the moon as well.

“So how about you and I get strong together? Secretly, we’ll try duper-extra hard to get strong so we can catch up to the rest, and even surpass them!” Twilight said with a bright smile, her teeth shining in the direct moonlight.

“That sounds lovely, hun.” Fluttershy said in a slow, elegant voice. It was also louder and more controlled than her previous one.

Confused at the sudden change, Twilight looked to her side, and was shocked!

Fluttershy’s eyes were now a crimson red, and she had those fangs that Flutterbat had. Even her wings now looked like that of a bat.

Licking her lips seductively, ‘Fluttershy’ dashed forward, arms open, and her fangs bore at Twilight’s neck. Twilight’s heart thumped suddenly, and her vision flashed with a negatively-colored pulse, altering her view. She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling her head throb. Her ears rang briefly.

…

“W-what…?” Twilight mumbled, looking up again.

Fluttershy was back to her normal self…

“I said, that sounds like a great idea, and thank you so much for making me feel better! Oh, and then I gave you a hug.” Fluttershy squeed with a large smile, hugging Twilight again.

Twilight shook her head, shaking off whatever she just experienced.

“Y-yeah… Let’s get strong together then…” Twilight said, rubbing her head and looking down at the ground.

“Is something wrong, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight shook her head. “No… no. Let’s go back down, shall we?” Twilight suggested.

“That sounds good. You wouldn’t mind holding my hand for that long drop down, w-would you…?” Fluttershy asked, as she stared down the building into the glaring lights below.

Twilight chuckled at her timidity. “Of course not. C’mon, let’s go.” Twilight said, grabbing her hand as she spread her wings and jumped off. Fluttershy let out a quiet “Eep!” as they disappeared behind the building.

[Back Within The Medical Facility…]

Twilight and Fluttershy flew in through the window cautiously, landing down softly.

“Twi, Flutters, you’re back!” Rainbow Dash said, greeting them. She had bandages all over, but the most serious injury was upon her torso, which Trixie hit with a blast of destructive magic.

“Yay, the gang’s all here!” Pinkie Pie said, her smile wide as she bounced up and down in her bed. Despite the bandages over her chest from the blast Trixie dealt to her, she was as lively as ever.

“Whoa there party gal, let’s settle down.” Applejack said tipping her hat. She was covered in bandages all over her body, as the impact into the concrete had damaged her all over. However, the most serious seemed to be her right forearm, which was entirely covered in bandage.

“Didn’t Celestia say she had something to tell us?” Rarity inquired, interrupting the small-talk. She had the lightest injuries, with only a small bandage upon her forehead and over her upper-right torso and shoulder.

“Indeed I do. Both my sister and I do. Settle down, young ones, this is important.” Celestia said, as Luna heaved a heavy sigh and joined her sister.

“Before we begin, I want you all to know that my sister and I are about to confide something very confidential to you girls; nothing less than an ancient secret, that if any other being were to learn about would guarantee a potential threat on an existential scale.” Celestia said, holding up one finger and giving the girls a hard stare.

The girls all looked around the room, nodding at each other.

“You can trust us, Principal Celestia. What is it?” Twilight said, nodding surely.

“Are you absolutely sur-”

“Aperture, do you know of that being?” Luna interrupted Celestia. Eyes fell on her as she spoke boldly. Celestia sent her an annoyed glare, but nonetheless, silenced herself and let Luna speak.

The others were silent, but Twilight raised her hand with a bright smile.

“Drop that classroom etiquette, Element of Magic. We’re in serious business now, and we’ll need to treat it as such.” Luna said, her arms folded. She was clearly not in a good mood.

Twilight chuckled sheepishly before clearing her throat.

“All I know is from Starswirl’s book on mythical creatures. Apparently, Aperture was an extremely powerful demon with an unbelievable reservoir of power that was capable of terrifying abilities: Extreme strength mentally and physically; extremely proficient in the magical arts, capable of magic foreign to this plane of existence; manipulation of various elements, including the illusive corrupting Darkness; the list goes on, but he is thought to be so powerful and knowledgeable because he can travel and communicate on interstellar ranges between dimensions.” Twilight said. Just before Luna was about to continue, Twilight spoke again.

“Oh, and a bit of trivia, of course!” Twilight chuckled, feeling elated that her knowledge was called upon.

“His roots were apparently of a fire-elemental demon simply labelled ‘Tenrem’. He was also rumored to be a different type of evil than your typical demon, and had apparently strange and conflicting motives and actions.” Twilight said.

“Correct, Sparkle. You’re as topped-up on knowledge as ever.” Celestia praised with a smile. Twilight smiled with glee, always feeling extra-elated by Celestia’s praise.

“But why would we need to talk about that? It’s been proved many times by this day and age’s greatest philosophers, wizards, and scientists that more than 90% of the creatures in Starswirl’s records were either simply a myth, are now extinct, or were over-exaggerated.” Twilight said.

“Aperture is no myth. He lives, and his ability certainly isn’t over-exaggerated.” Luna said.

Twilight’s face dropped of all excitement. “W-what…? A being of such horrifying power a-actually exists?!” Twilight gasped.

“If that’s the case, then why haven’t we encountered it yet?” Applejack asked, tipping her hat in skepticism.

“That’s because we sealed it with one of the few artifacts our more powerful ancestors left behind. The Mirror of Destitute. Even if he could escape that, he’s being detained within the greatest demon prison known to exist.” Celestia explained.

“You two sealed possibly the most powerful demon to ever exist? Alright, I gotta admit, that’s pretty awesome.” Rainbow Dash said, listening intently.

“Wait, you had ancestors?” Twilight asked, fascinated that there was history before Celestia and Luna.

“Of course. We were born, Twilight, not created.” Celestia said, holding up her shirt a little bit and showing her belly button.

“They had parents!?” Twilight said, squealing. She had never actually learned about Celestia and Luna, since they were no records on the two. For safety reasons, they condemned any records being made on them until they deemed it necessary.

“Twilight.” Luna said, unfolding her arms and looking at her.

“Sorry, sorry…” Twilight said, chuckling.

“On to the topic at hand, why would you confide in us the information about Aperture?” Twilight asked.

“Before we go over that, allow me to ask you, children… How will you combat Trixie the next time you encounter her?” Luna asked, folding her arms and staring amongst them.

“From the looks of it, she held back on all of you… She could’ve done so much worse, from what I’ve heard from all of you.” Celestia chimed in.

“So what will you do?” The two sisters said in harmony.

The girls were quiet as they looked upon each other. None of them had a real plausible answer. Sure, they could train and hone their skills, but there was not nearly enough time for that; not with how far ahead Trixie was in combat-finesse.

“It sounds like they’ll need a miracle, nothing short of it.” A familiar voice chimed in from the doorway. As all eyes turned, they met with the orange and red haired girl who said it.

“Sunset Shimmer!” Twilight gasped.

Beside her was a beautiful ebony-skinned girl with black and white striped hair shaped in a Mohawk that hung over her forehead. The Mohawk extended to her back, creating a hang-time that showed off the beautiful texture and luster of her hair.

“And Zecora! What’re you two doing here?” Twilight asked.

“Celestia gave us a call. Upon hearing the situation, coming here was no trouble at all.” Zecora smiled.

“Sunset Shimmer is one of my most prestigious students, so I knew she’d be of help. Zecora too, is very knowledgeable, and was also the keeper of the Alicorn Amulet Trixie now possesses… So I figured if we were to start anywhere on learning anything, it would be with these two.” Celestia informed. Luna gave strange glances at Celestia.

“That’s right! You were in charge of safe-guarding the amulet! Now why on this green earth would you let Trixie get that darned thing? You’re more than capable, Zecora!” Applejack scolded.

“No, you do not understand… This Trixie was different than the one we knew beforehand.” Zecora explained.

“Explain to us what happened, Zecora. It’s okay, our cowboy is just upset that we all got thrashed.” Rarity said.

“By Trixie, no less!” Applejack scoffed, rolling her eyes.

Zecora took a deep breath, taking her mind back to the day Trixie visited her. She began to act out exactly what she was doing as she spoke, remembering the events vividly.

Zecora mixed and ground some herbs and minerals and dashed it into her pot. Just as she was turning, her hut shook briefly, as if suffering from a minor earthquake. She looked at the source; a small steel box. She shook her head, scratching her chin.

“That is the third time today… What could possibly be making it act this way?” she thought to herself.

{“Three fair nights ago, I was concocting an enchantment. The amulet shook and rumbled, as if struggling free from its permanent encampment.”}

…

Zecora placed the amulet back within its box before studying it, and decided to put it in a secret compartment within her hut, deeming that the deeper it was, the less severe its indications would be.

{“I studied it within my hut, trying to figure out why it was going amuck. To no avail, I simply threw it deeper into my hut."}

…

Suddenly, the door to Zecora’s hut blasted open. As she turned, there stood Trixie in her normal, bright, galaxy-themed cloak.

“The Amulet! Where is it?!” Trixie asked feverishly. She seemed very impatient. As her cloak fluttered in the wind outside,

Zecora acted confused, shaking her head and shrugging.

“Don’t lie to me. I know you have it! It was calling me!” Trixie said, appearing in front of Zecora. Zecora fell back onto her butt, startled at the sudden approach.

As Zecora looked up at the cloaked Trixie, she knew something was different. Those eyes gleamed a hellish-crimson, and her face was wrenched into a frown, baring her teeth. She was serious.

“I would be deranged to hand the amulet back to you. Its misuse is why it was confiscated in the first place, Lulamoon.” Zecora said, standing and patting herself down.

“I don’t have the patience for your sass.” Trixie hissed, putting her palm to Zecora’s face.

[Slow-Motion Initiates…]

Zecora immediately noticed the red, magical glow in Trixie’s palm, and began to lean back. Just as she did, a large, powerful, destructive beam of magic released, engulfing the front half of Zecora’s long Mohawk.

Zecora’s pupils shrank and her eyes widened as she saw the beam of magic. It even had destructive crackles of unstable energy around it.

The beam had literally taken out the entire back roof and wall of Zecora’s hut, which was reinforced by her own magic.

[Slow-Motion Ceases…]

Zecora stood in her leaned back position, as Trixie stood there as well, hand extended from her cloak. She looked surprised, nearly stunned.

“O-oh my… I’m sorry, it’s as if I don’t know my own power yet!” Trixie said, her face wrenching into a wicked smirk.

Zecora peeked behind her, as her brows furrowed, seeing the damage Trixie had done to her home.

Growling, Zecora kicked up at Trixie, who easily dodged it by a simple hop back. Zecora returned to her feet and held her palm at Trixie as a green glow emitted.

Before Trixie did anything, the green glow turned into a beam of magic that exploded on impact, hitting Trixie dead-on.

Zecora stared into the smoke, brows furrowed. She saw the smoke begin to move abnormally, readying herself.

Suddenly, Trixie jumped out, punching down at Zecora, who ducked under, rolling back. As Zecora looked back, Trixie was running at her once more with two destructive balls of magic in her hand.

Zecora couldn’t match her speed, and was kicked back by Trixie. As she sailed through the front door, destroying more of her home, Trixie sent the 2 balls of magic after her. They exploded on impact, creating a large rise of dust in the dark Everfree Forest.

{“Behold, the very same Trixie Lulamoon! Entering my home with no regards, only a large ‘kaboom!’ We engaged in intense physical confrontation within my home. However, it was clear that her skills far surpassed my own.”}

…

Zecora, using the smokescreen to escape, crept through the woods. She could sense that powerful being of magic still after her. She was badly hurt by the two explosions, scars and burns all over her body.

She breathed silently as she saw flashes of the colorful cloak zooming through the woods. It stopped just near her. She held her breath as she saw those crimson eyes glow in the dark forest…

They disappeared, and Zecora breathed a soft, quiet breath of relief. As she turned into the next clearing of trees, however, there she was.

An eerie silence, followed by a small gust of wind. Trixie’s cloak fluttered softly in the wind, and inside of it was nothing but a dark blackness.

Before Zecora could react, Trixie sent a ball of magic her way. Zecora jumped back, barely avoiding it, but Trixie was more than ready, as she appeared behind Zecora mid-air.

Trixie’s cloak flew open, revealing both of her hands. One had that familiar red, magic-built, weaponized claw.

With a powerful slash Zecora was sent crashing into the ground. She looked up at the Arcane Human, fearing for her life as she clutched her chest, hissing. Trixie fell, stomping onto Zecora’s chest, which elicited a cough from her.

Trixie pointed at her with the claw. “If you lie to me again, I won’t hesitate to finish you and search the house myself.

Remember, nobody can reach you immediately in here, so take note that I am giving you the chance to live.” Trixie said, pushing her foot into Zecora’s injured chest even harder.

Zecora’s chest heaved. She knew she was beat, and she knew that Trixie was right. She could easily dispose of her and find the amulet herself. She had no choice…

“Within my hut, there is a secret compartment… Within it, you will find the amulet.” Zecora coughed. Trixie smiled, taking her boot off of Zecora’s chest.

“Get up and show me…” Trixie ordered. Zecora struggled to stand, as she walked slowly to back to her destroyed hut.

{“After a devastating claw to my chest,” Zecora began, lifting her shirt to show three long slashes across her abdomen. “And a threat to slash up the rest, I quickly found my reason to confess to reveal where the Amulet rests.”}

Zecora lowered her shirt, finishing the story.

“So Trixie didn’t get all of her power from the Amulet… We could also assume she was Alicorn at the time as well, then. That would be the only reason to seek the amulet. What did she mean it was calling her specifically, though? It’s never called any other Alicorns…” Twilight inquired.

“I don’t know, but Trixie is in possession of an ancient relic. With the way things are, it feels like evil is preparing for its epidemic. Truly, I’ve never seen such merciless ruthlessness. We are facing a new, heightened, and dark Crookedness.” Zecora said, her voice solemn.

“I’m sorry for getting fussy with you Zecora… We know just too well what running into that Trixie is like. Excuse me.”

Applejack apologized formally.

“It is no problem my orange friend. Hopefully, together we may bring these dark happenings to an end.” Zecora said.

“E-excuse me, but I don’t think we’ve figured out what to do about Trixie.” Fluttershy intervened.

“And it seems that you won’t figure it out on your own. Fortunately for you, Celestia has a solution.” Luna said, nudging Celestia.

Straightening her tie, Celestia began.

“Aperture is a powerful being, who is, so to speak, under Luna and I’s subjugation. You, children, would have to seek an audience with him deep in Tartarus. He is a necessary risk. Obviously, we will accompany you.”

Fluttershy visibly shivered.

“Seek an audience? Are you sure that’s the best thing to do?” Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief.

“I have to admit… it sounds sketchy…” Rarity hummed.

“I gotta admit, it does sound like trouble waiting to happen. What do you think Twilight? You always know what to do.”

Applejack said, hand on her hip as she tapped the heel of her boot on the ground. Eyes fell on Twilight.

“If Celestia thinks that’s the best, then I would have to agree! She always knows what she’s talking about!” Twilight said with sureness.

Zecora nodded in agreement. “Spread the sails and head west against the gales. We have to take the risk or be doomed to fail.” Zecora said, supporting Celestia.

“Personally, I don’t think any demon can help with this situation… However, it seems like that’s all we’ve got.” Sunset Shimmer interjected.

Luna folded her arms. She watched Zecora and Sunset Shimmer strangely, before turning to Celestia with a look of betrayal. She shook her head, quickly masking her emotion and spoke. “So it’s decided then. You girls will take a trip to Tartarus…” Luna said, sighing.

“You girls? Aren’t you coming too, Principal Luna?” Twilight asked.

“No. Strategically speaking, having both Celestia and I outside of the plane of Equestria with Trixie about… It’s dangerous.” Luna said.

“You’ll be lonely. How about we both stay, then?” Sunset offered.

“Thank you, Sunset Shimmer. Your company is appreciated already.” Luna said formally.

“So my sister and Sunset Shimmer shall stay. On that note, gather round everyone… I have a plan; simple, but efficient.” Celestia said, as everyone formed a circle.

“It’s a layered plan, so listen carefully. Firstly…”

[At this very time, within the Sparkle Residence…]

Thumping and shifting could be heard in the halls of Twilight’s new mansion.

A figure rose from Twilight’s bed, awoken by the sounds. He turned on the light, and his being was revealed.

It was the young boy dragon, Spike.

“Yo, Twilight!” Spike called with his groggy voice, assuming she had finally come home.

“Where were you, I was calling you for hours!” Spike yelled again, rubbing his eyes as he walked to the door of the room.

“I totally didn’t sleep in your bed, by the way!” Spike shouted out as he opened the door.

He froze, as he was met with a figure taller than he. Her colorful cloak blocked all but those eyes with a crimson glint.

A red glow appeared from beneath the cloak as she spoke.

“I’m afraid Twilight’s having a sleep-over at the Medical Center.” She said, as her eyes squinted slightly.

Spike stepped back in a defensive position, ready to take on the intruder.

[At Sweet Apple Acres’ Farmhouse…]

“Where could she be?” Applebloom said worriedly.

“Don’t fret, Applebloom. I’m sure she’s okay, right Big Mac?” Granny Smith said, rocking her chair back and forth.

“Ee-yup!” Big Mac said, buttoning his pajama shirt down. Just before he picked up his sleeping cap, the door creaked open.

“Applejack!?” Applebloom yelled happily, running over to the door.

“Applebloom!” Big Mac shouted out, realizing that it wasn’t Applejack. The hair was orange; Applejack  didn’t have orange hair…

It was too late, however.

“Applejack, you’re ba-!” Applebloom began, but was interrupted, sent flying back by a small explosion. She crashed into the cabinet, tumbling over the counter and on to the floor, on her knees. The shine in her eyes left, as she collapsed face-first on the ground, her body steaming from the magical blast.

Big Mac watched, eyes wide. They soon squinted with anger as he cracked his knuckles, walking up to the shadowed figure.

[Within Rarity’s Boutique/Home…]

“You know, you’re a lot more fun than my sister usually is!” Sweetie Belle laughed with her intruder, tossing sparkly strings into the air.

“Boy, can I relate! My sisters are all stuck up and boring and serious all the time. We should be friends!” the intruder spoke, her face covered as she giggled in the mess of streaks she was in.

“I think we’ll be great friends!” Sweetie Belle smiled. As the intruder flicked glitter onto Sweetie Belle’s face, the streaks fell off of her face.

“Don’t I… know you, actually?” Sweetie Belle inquired, raising a brow.

[At Sugarcube Corner…]

“I’m locking up, dearie!” Mrs. Cake shouted out to her lover, Mr. Cake.

“Did ya lock the doors?” Mr. Cake hollered back.

“I’m going now! Make sure the babies are sleeping, will you?” Mrs. Cake called back, pushing some pantries into the cabinet.

As if on cue, the door jingled, as someone entered. The moonlight illuminated their purple hair.

“Sorry, we’re closed, dearie.” Mrs. Cake called out. Suddenly, a small blade flew past Mrs. Cake’s neck, slashing off some of her hair. She was frozen in fear, as the figure approached with another blade in her hand.

[Within Rainbow Dash’s Floating Home…]

Scootaloo sat in front of the T.V, playing her favorite racing game.

She heard the door creak open, and rushed to turn off the T.V. As she was feverishly putting away her controller and all the cords, she yelled out, “I’m not up playing games, Dashie, I swear! I was just up for a late night snack!”

She heard the shuffling get closer, and breathed a sigh of relief as she got everything put away in time.

“Rainbow Dash, where’ve you been?” Scootaloo asked. As she was covered in a turquoise magical aura and lifted to be suspended in midair, she realized it wasn’t Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, it’s just you… Hey, put me down!” Scootaloo yelled, upside down, as the figure approached…

[Finally, Within Fluttershy’s Humble Abode…]

Angel sat on the counter, nibbling away at several vegetables in his bowl. Suddenly, a metal cage appeared around him as the small cage-door slammed shut.

He shook the bars, squealing angrily at his captor who only casually began to put some water on a low-flame. Angel bashed against the cage, squealing angrily.

“What’s that you say? Make myself at home? Don’t mind if I do!” The intruder chuckled, as they suspended Angel in the air with magic, swinging him back and forth.

[Finally, Back With Our Heroes…]

“… and that’s the plan! Did I make everything clear, and answer all questions?” Celestia asked.

“Everything’s clear now, Principal. Right, girls?” Twilight asked, receiving gestures of confirmation.

“Great! Does everyone understand what awaits? I cannot emphasize enough how important this is. But don’t make the importance deter you… I’m sure you will all get through this, ultimately. Nay, I promise!” Celestia spoke, a hand on her hip.

“Thank you, Principal. Truthfully, I’m a bit nervous, bu-,” Twilight began, but was interrupted by a small flash of crimson in the middle of the room.

There was that fluttering, colorful, galaxy-themed cloak.

“Well, well, well, what have we here?” The girl chuckled.

“Trixie!” Twilight hissed, clenching her fists.

Suddenly, Trixie appeared in a flash of crimson in front of Celestia.

“Now, now, Princess… Would you make these young girls promises you couldn’t possibly keep?” Trixie spoke with a smirk.

With no words, Celestia’s foot flew at Trixie, who just barely dodged it. The rush of wind and force seemed to not affect her cloak.

“How did she find us?” Luna asked, a ball of compressed magic in her hand already, as she lurched forward.

As Celestia’s foot returned to the ground, she glanced at Trixie beside her.

“... She didn’t. She’s communicating with us via magic. She isn’t here physically, so to speak.” Celestia said, breathing out softly as she fixed her hair.

“How attentive of you, Princess. How did you figure it out?” Trixie asked.

“You had at least an entire second to counter, and you didn’t. Either you weren’t as strong as my pupils have made you out to be, or you couldn’t physically harm me.” Celestia said simply, folding her arms.

Twilight sighed. “Can’t we simply expel her presence?” Twilight asked, her lavender magical aura covering her hand as she reached for Trixie’s image.

Trixie turned and smiled at Twilight. “Now, now Twilight, I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Trixie said, as she spread her hands, extending the field of view.

Trixie floated backwards, landing next to the green dragon who was beaten and bruised. His body steamed slightly, evidence of being a victim of powerful magic.

“Spike!” Twilight yelled, walking closer, feeling enraged. She quickly stopped, realizing that it wasn’t physically in front of her.

“You know, I always knew youngsters were stubborn, but he just wouldn’t stop getting up, y’know?” Trixie spoke, crouching and examining the dragon. As she turned, the glint of crimson in her eyes shone stronger as her smirk only grew more wicked.

“Trixie! You won’t get away with this!” Twilight hissed, as the magic aura around her body snapped furiously.

“T-Twilight, no…! She’s too strong, even for you…!” Spike coughed, straining to even talk.

“We need to go there, now!” Applejack said, walking forward past Trixie’s own images.

“Hold on there, cowgirl!” Trixie laughed, as she snapped her fingers.

Another magically transmitted image appeared in front of Applejack. Its contents boiled Applejack’s blood. Upon a tree branch hung Applebloom, burns all over her body from the magical blast she was hit with.

Big Mac was on his knees, breathing heavily and was obviously injured. The perpetrator’s back was turned, and only the orange hair was seen.

“Oh, is it my turn?” The voice chuckled, turning around.

“Adagio!” Applejack growled.

As Adagio moved her own hands, extending the image, Applejack clutched her fists so hard blood began to draw and drip from her knuckles.

“What. Did. You. Do. To. Our. Farm!?” Applejack growled, stomping forward so hard that her hat fell to her back, hanging on to her body via a string.

As the view showed the farm, there was a fierce fire blazing behind Applebloom in which all of the Apples’ work laid.

“But if Adagio’s here…” Twilight gasped.

“That’s right.” Adagio said, snapping her left hand, as an image snapped to life.

Mr. and Mrs. Cake were seen, slumped against the wall. In between them, hanging on the blade stabbed into a wall from their joined sleeping cloths were none other than Pound and Pumpkin Cake, sobbing loudly.

Sitting on the counter was none other than Aria Blaze, who held a shining blade in her hand. Her face seemed to hold little emotion.

Pinkie Pie watched with wide eyes, before gritting her teeth in a frown and holding her fist up.

“Who do you think you are, bullying MY friends?!” Pinkie yelled. Aria only smirked, shrugging.

Adagio snapped her right hand, as yet another image snapped to life.

Sonata Dusk was seen, chatting off happily with Sweetie Belle. They seemed oblivious to their being watched.

“I want Sweetie Belle having nothing to do with those evil little sirens!” Rarity said, arms folded.

“Something tells me that this isn’t it.” Rainbow Dash said, her mind upon Scootaloo.

“You wouldn’t be wrong, Rainbow Dash.” Trixie chuckled, snapping her fingers.

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo yelled, as the image appeared.

“It’s Starlight!” Scootaloo yelled, before a hand violently slapped a piece of tape onto her mouth, leaving a sore redness on her face.

“She’s quite loud and obnoxious. Just like you, Rainbow Dash. I’m sure you’re proud.” Starlight laughed jokingly.

“And to think we had forgiven you…!” Rainbow Dash growled angrily.

Trixie’s eyes turned to Fluttershy. “Oh yes, don’t think you’re excluded just because you’re weak, Fluttershy.” Trixie laughed, snapping one last time.

Discord was spotted, casually sipping tea and reading a newspaper. Above him hung a distraught Angel in that metal cage.

Discord glanced towards Fluttershy. “Please do join me.” He insisted, sipping the last bit of tea, before tossing the cup into his mouth, crunching it up.

“This porcelain is to die for!” he said in delight.

“Poor Angel! You won’t be forgiven, Discord!” Fluttershy said, clenching her fists and pouting.

There stood the Mane Six, surrounded by what they would call family, in danger and threatened by these recurring forces of evil.

“You know what’s at stake,” Trixie began, as the image of Sonata and Sweetie Belle dispersed into a magical puff of glitter.

“So tell me, girls and co,” Trixie continued, as Starlight and Scootaloo’s image dispersed as well.

“Just what will you do?” Trixie went on, as Aria’s image dispersed.

“Will you run and prepare?” Trixie asked, as Discord and Angel’s image dispersed.

“Or will you actually be foolish enough to confront forces you couldn’t possibly hope to defeat?” Trixie queried, as the blazing orchard and Adagio’s image dispersed.

“I’ll be waiting…” Trixie said, as her own image dispersed, leaving the room in a colorful cloud of blue glimmer.

There was a silence amongst the room now.

Applejack was the first to move and speak. She put her hat back on and stomped to the door.

“I’m going.” She said simply. Twilight ran in front of her and grabbed her forearm, bidding for her to stand down.

“What?! Did you see what she had done!?” Applejack yelled.

“That’s what they want, guys! They want us to go. They’re toying with us, and we’re only less powerful if we’re separated. It’s not the rational thing to do.” Twilight said, looking around. She received looks of disagreement.

“Understand this one thing, Twi.” Applejack started, as she turned and placed a hand on her shoulder, looking directly into her eyes with her squinted green eyes. Her hat casted an eerie shadow over her face.

“Once you mess with family, there’s no space for rationality and the sorts.” Applejaack stated, walking right past Twilight and out of the door, disappearing into the hallway.

“Sorry Twilight, but I’m with AJ on this one.” Rainbow Dash stated, as a cyan blur blasted beyond Twilight, making the cloths of the room flap around.

Twilight sighed in defeat as Rarity and Pinkie Pie quickly flooded out as well.

“There’s only one thing left to do, then.” Twilight sighed.

“I’m going as well.” Twilight decided.

“I’ll accompany you then, my pupil. You were injured the worst, after all.”Celestia said.

Before the two left, Twilight glanced back and winked at Fluttershy. Fluttershy responded with a nod.

“I’ll try my best.” Fluttershy thought to herself, remembering the promise, as Twilight and Celestia too, disappeared around the corner.

“Come then, Element of Kindness. Let us deal with Discord’s tomfoolery.” Luna said, leading her out of the room…

[The Scene Ended Upon Color-Coded Roads Walked By Our Heroes; Each Specifically The Color For Each Of The Mane Six. Each Hero Walked To The Dark Force That Awaited Them At The End Of Their Line…]

And so, our Heroes, provoked by returning evils, two which were very unlikely, rush to the aid of their endangered families and homes. But what truly awaits them? Can they even begin to behold? Why were they provoked? Why are they being lured? Perhaps, there is more than meets the eye…