My Little Pony: Stormbreaker

Record 12: Old Trix

Another couple of months had passed for the pair of ponies, this time joined by their reclaimed friend, as they journeyed the lengths of Equestria for the last groups of ponies. They were successful in their quest, as far as they could tell, and they were now back in the Crystal Empire looking every bit as tired and worn as one could imagine for such much they have faced in these long months. Two seemed a bit worse than Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom was not so bad, just woozy and nauseous, while Scootaloo went to a corner to let loose her churning stomach. As the two were so stricken, Sweetie greeted Mystic Tome.

“Why is it that we get so sick from that, but not teleporting? Apple Bloom asked, trotting to the two Unicorns.

Offering her thoughts, Sweetie started. “Well, teleportation is a practiced and refined spell, whereas I just made the Courier spell and likely needs some tweaking to perfect it. The old spell is solid, but not intended for what we’ve been doing with it. I’m sure I could get the kinks out with more time”

“Don’t look at me for a volunteer” Scootaloo trotted up, holding her stomach.

Mystic offered “It does seem to work with larger groups, as most the ponies who came through showed nowhere near as much trauma as you two have”

“Could also be a bit of the fact I was passing through, and as one of the spell points,” She thought out loud. “It might have disrupted the stability of the spell, with no return for it to bounce back too”

“Pass, hard pass” Scootaloo said with absolution. “I’ll walk”

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes, and addressed the other issue of their journey. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any who showed signs of the Elements, and we hit every part of the map, even the most spars or unlikely location”

This caused Mystic to raise his eyebrows in surprise, and cock his head “Did you not get the letter I sent about a week ago?” They all looked at him a bit confused. “Strange, somehow must have been lost”

“No, nothing reached us” Sweetie replied, a bit surprised, as the spell should have no way of being interrupted. “Did something happen?” Her urgency increased.

“Apparently a pair of ponies, as well as a Dragon, came here that had something to do with the Element of Laughter. They did not share much with me, only told me to send the message”

The three mares rushed off, leaving Mystic to wonder just what happened to the letter.

***

Looking out her window with a distance in her eyes, Cadence's mind was heavy with thoughts of her family. Shining was near her, looking with concern for her state of mind, as well as what she was likely to distort about. “Thinking about him” He kept in his own mind. “Wishing that he would return, but what will come of him being around? Equinox has shown to care about her, and passed advice that was critical to our lasting in the war with Sombra, but can he still be trusted when he is Sombra’s father, and still claims the title of a villain? He repeatedly warns not to let our guard down, and who knows what could allow him to regain the power to try and take back his own reign? Unlike Sombra, Equinox is actually very wise and educated in how to lead… if he turned, we might be facing a threat as great or greater than any we’ve faced before''

As the Prince and Princess were lost in their own minds, a guard came in to announce the arrival of the three champions back from their journeys, only they rushed past him before they had the chance. The two royals turned to the commotion, as the guard made a sound of annoyance and left.

“Sorry bout that partner” Bloom attempted, though he seemed past it.

“You found another Element of Harmony?!” Sweetie could not hold back her excitement.

“And a dragon?” Scootaloo added, a bit more interested in that piece of their newly gained knowledge.

Princess Cadence buried her thoughts for now, and returned to being the leader she had to be. “Yes, they came a few days ago. We became worried when you gave no reply to the message we sent”

“Likely some hiccup, cause we didn’t get noth’n” Bloom replied. “Mystic told us when we got back”

“And after we got done losing our lunch” Scootaloo remarked.

Sweetie Belle was not so interested in trivial topics, she needed to see the proof of the claims. “Where are they, who are they, and did they unlock it?”

Shining took the lead, and stepped closer to the group. “Well, we do have some concerns, though they have taken to life here much better than they did at first. I suppose it might be better if the letter did not reach you, as we have had time to observe the two” He filled them in on everything they had learned from the moment they came in, and since they’ve been living in the Empire.

“Wow, to think that the twins survived, and now hold Pinkie’s Element… even if it is ruined” Sweetie was thinking on something, though focused at the moment on another detail. “It makes sense she would pass it to them, seeing how close she was to the family. So they do not know what happened to her?”

Cadence shook her head, much to the disappointment of the young mare. Apple Bloom was focused on another part of the report. “Spike is with em? Is he all big, like an adult dragon now?”

“He has grown, though by Dragon standards I do believe he is still rather young” Cadence responded to this lighter note.

Scootaloo was still impressed at the sound of things. “Kinda cool we have a dragon though”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked at one another, finding it a bit amusing that their friend did not see Dust Jacket take on the impressive form that crushed Chrysalis. They would have to get him to try that trick again, and show Scootaloo the impressive power that came from the love of a Changeling and a Pony.

The summons were sent out for the three unlikely residents to come to see the champions, and hopefully find answers to the ever deepening mystery of the Elements of Harmony. While they waited, the three Stormbreakers pondered over what they knew.

“Seems like I ain’t as special as I once was” Bloom said with a hint of humor. “See’n how the Element gave back life, an eye ain’t much to write home about”

“Yeah, but you did get a new eye, and that’s pretty cool” Scootaloo chimed in, hoping to save some of her friend’s pride. “It can read intentions and stuff” She flared her wings. “I got spiffed up wings, but other than moving really fast, I don’t even know what these can do”

Sweetie Belle added further. “All I have is an enhanced horn. So I can do more magick?” They all took a pause, and were amused by themselves. Though thirteen years had passed since they even saw one another, nearly another before they were all reunited, they still had moments where they felt like the fillies they once were in better times.

Taking up the topic again, the Zebracorn reminded them “We don’t really know what the Element did for them, only the little pieces of details that we have been fed. Discord and the Twins own account state that he killed, or left Pound for dead, but that doesn’t add up” The two nodded to this much. “Discord is a trickster, and likes games. Even if Fluttersnide told him to kill, I doubt he would be so quick to let a chance go to try something new”

“You think they might be fakes, or some kind of trap?” Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie did not take long to think on this, and was quick to dismiss it. “No, the Changelings are good at finding others in illusions, and if it was some spell, one of the many trained guards would have detected it. There is also the shield that would rebound Discord’s energy, so I doubt two young ponies and a dragon would get past that if they were just his magick. Discord, as predictable as his jokes and visual displays are, is very cryptic in his motives. For all we know, he just gave the pair a near death experience for some reason only he would know; the Element might not even be a factor here”

The same guard who had attempted to announce the three mares, was now trying again for the three guests. He gave them a look, and began. “Young masters, Pound Cake, and Pumpkin Cake, and the Champion Spike, the Dragon to see you” He got out of the way, as the three in question made their way into the room.

Spike gasped, taking in the sight of three lost friends, children once, but now adults who were a sight to behold for one who had lost so much to never imagine getting anything back. Sweetie Belle, a Zebracorn who looked so much like Zecora and Twilight Sparkle, yet still a mare all her own. Apple Bloom, dressed like some explorer, baring the hat that was unmistakably Applejacks, and the ribbon that once was a bow was now covering one eye. Scootaloo, she was still looking like a daredevil, and wore the scars of somepony who had looked to have faced the very worst of Tartarus. It was a mixed feeling to see them grown into fine mares, but showed their struggles each had faced.

The trio was just as taken aback by the sight of the little dragon now standing so tall and strong, filling out into an impressive creature, even without being fully grown. The twins were no less impressive, as they once were babies, now looked not so much older than the Stormbreakers had before all this chaos.

Emotions were high for four of the six reunited friends, the guard took their leave quickly, and Spike moved closer to the mares. “By Cosmatia’s grace… I can’t believe the sight you three have become” He was still drinking in everything, mind now clouded by memories fighting to come out through his eyes. “You’ve all become such fine ponies, and who would have guessed that the Cutie Mark Crusaders would be Crusaders of Harmony''

“Tsk” Scootaloo started, surprising the rest. “I always knew I was destined for greatness” They all studied her for a moment, until in turn they all joined in on the humor of it.

“Scootaloo, thank the Elements you are still so feisty. I missed that” Spike smiled.

Flexing her wings. “Don’t know how true that sentence is. My Element gave me a new lease on life, even if I still feel broken and hurt by what has happened” Spike put a gentle claw to her, looking over the marks and scars knowing it was not battle, but abuse that decorated her.

“What about y’all?” Bloom was quick to keep this from spiraling into another pity party. “Y’all are a mighty dragon, and looking mighty bad-ass” He turned and grinned at that, the old Spike still in there and loving the praise.

“I bet you could go a few rounds with some pretty nasty creatures now, Chimera or Hydras better watch out for ‘Champion Spike’” Scootaloo added, and the four were laughing again.

Spike calmed himself from the humor, and responded “Luckily I haven’t had the need to find out” He looked back to the twins, who were silent, though enjoying the sight of their Uncle getting on with some dear friends. “You three remember the twins, but you two were too young to know this trio” He gestured to each in turn. “Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo”

Coming closer to inspect these new friends, the twins greeted them. Pound was the first to speak. “A friend of Uncle Spike, is a friend to us”

Pumpkin was a bit distracted by Sweetie Belle, and found herself blurting out “Are you a Unicorn? I’ve never seen a pony with stripes”

Not shying from the question, or surprised that she did not understand what she was as she was the only Zebracorn she had ever known of. Sweetie was a bit sad that they did not know about Zebras, but also not terribly surprising. “I’ve become a hybrid” She started, not going into all the details. “I studied the ways of a mare named Zecora, who was a Zebra from another land. Combining her magicks and the lessons of the greatest Unicorn to live, I somehow became both. I just use ‘Zebracorn’”

“That’s pretty cool” Pumpkin said, excited by this. “I want to be a Zebracorn!”

Snickering, Sweetie was happy that another was so taken by her and even wanted to join the very small ranks. “Well, it took a lot of commitment and training, as well as a ritual that only Zebras know. I’m not sure you can, become like me… sorry to say”

“Can Zecora help?” Pumpkin asked an innocent question, with a bitter answer.

“Unfortunately not… she was claimed by the storms…” It was clear that the memory was still hard for the mare, but she was quickly distracted by the embrace of the young pony. She hugged back to this loving mare, and felt eased by her.

Pound chimed in. “When we free Equestria, and start to rebuild, we’ll find Zebras too, and bring back everything that was lost!” He was so sure and convinced in this, that he was looking radiant as he declared his mission. “I know we can undo the damage and bring back the world that Uncle Spike and you three once loved!” The light he gave off was no trick of the mind, he was glowing slightly.

“His chest” Bloom whispered to Scootaloo. “He definitely holds the power of the Element”

“What one is it? Laughter?” Scootaloo asked back. “Seems more like tenacity, but that’s not one of them… right?” She decided not to hold back, and trotted closer to the young stallion. “I like your enthusiasm kid, and I know your Element will help us achieve those dreams!”

Apple Bloom sighed in the lack of decorum, as Sweetie took notice. Pound was shocked by the words, and looked around. “Element?”

Scootaloo pointed at his chest, still giving a faint glow. “I can feel it. My Element awoke in me, and gave me new wings. I think yours gave you life”

“Shouldn’t just speculate” Sweetie groaned. “But it does seem like what happened” She moved closer now. “Discord took your breath, but the Element of Laughter must have given it back. Rather fitting if you think about it” She looked at Apple Bloom, who took the hint and uncovered her right eye. “Mine boosted my magick, joining with my alicorn to become my Element of Magick”

“Mine is Truth, and gave me a new eye fer the one I lost long ago, let’n me see through deception and illusion” Bloom explained.

Scootaloo was a bit after, not sure just what to say. “I got wings… I said that… It was loyalty, but I think it is now more like Support… or something” She giggled. “Maybe we should have practiced this”

Pound looked to Pumpkin, but she had nothing but a smile to offer. He studied his own chest, the light was gone but the feeling was still there. “does that mean… mine is Aunt Pinkie’s old Element of Laughter?” He sought an answer, but it was in him. “No, it is the Element of Hope… now”

“These things sure have some power to them” Scootaloo remarked. “But bringing a pony back to life, two ponies! Sh…” She held back. “Shoot” She nervously laughed, almost swearing in front of the younger ponies. “So I guess it fixed up your lungs, after Discord attacked you”

“But, Discord killed him with his claws” Pumpkin came in. “He put a curse on me. How could it fix both of us? Do we both have it?”

Scootaloo only shrugged, so Sweetie took over. “The Elements are very confusing on what they are able to do, no one knew they could heal, repair or replace until it happened to us. At this point, bringing ponies back to life doesn’t seem too far off. Likely though, because Discord is such a twisted creature, the curse might have taken and given life based on your brother’s status. This is not too far out of his style either” She took a moment to gather the facts in her mind, before going on. “All we do know is Pound has the Element in him. When he speaks of his convictions with such optimism, it reacts. That is something we all experience with ours”

“How could you see it? I didn’t see it. Kin?” Pound asked, and looked to his sister who was baffled.

“Ours are awakened, and we know the signs after experiencing it three times. I guess we can see it, even if it was deep inside you” Sweetie offered. “It was easier because ours are all external, so others could see it too”

The group decided to bring the Princess and Prince into this, and filled them into the details they had discovered. “So, we now have four of the six Elements?” Cadence asked once caught up, restraining her excitement.

“Seems that way” Apple Bloom replied. “They are who they say they are, and I reckon the old necklace is busted up ‘cause it’s in this pony now” She looked to Pound.

Going to the three newer members of the group, Princess Cadence looked at each in turn. “I’m sorry if we acted suspicious of you. I do not know what caused it, but my abilities to read your hearts were being blocked. Maybe the curse lingered, or maybe the Element. I still felt something genuine in you, but was not sure. So instead of keeping you in holding, because of a weakness on my part, I allowed you freedom under watch. I apologized for our suspicion, we have an Empire to care for and I hope you understand”

Pound bowed to her. “My lady, we understand, and respect your caution. You and the Prince are truly dedicated to your ponies and the Empire, and can’t be faulted for that. We held our own reservations, but after seeing your Empire, we came to believe you were true as well” Pumpkin shook her head at the way he was speaking.

“This is all because of those games you play” She remarked to Spike, who only snickered at this.

“Oh!” Spike said suddenly, surprising the room. “Sorry… I just remembered something… but we can… talk about it later…” He tried to laugh it off.

Shining was not letting that go. “Well, seeing how you got all of our attention, may as well go on” He grinned, then added. “Don’t want you to forget again”

Eyeing him, Spike was actually happy to have this kind of silly interaction again. “Well, we met a couple other survivors from Ponyville, and one really wanted to meet you guys”

******

A guard stepped out of the secret portal that was the only way in or out of the Crystal Dungeon, greeted by a pair of other guards that acted as first response in the off chance of Trixie escaping, though none believed she would ever.

“Any news?” One of the posted guards asked the one arriving from their rounds inside the dungeon.

“Still dried up as ever” They all chuckled at that. “Except where it counts” There were a number of degenerates in the Empire, and unfortunately a few of them found themselves in the ranks of the guard.

“Battle Charge was around earlier, but was too creeped out by her” They mocked. “He is a more ‘by-the-books’ type, I doubt he could get hard for a prisoner, even if she wasn’t living dead cocksleeve” They added after a moment of amusement at their own words, “For all the trouble she’s caused, all the death, we should get something back”

The guard in charge of the portal trotted over, as the one who had passed stepped back. “Too bad we can’t all know that spell, so we could have more on our ‘special’ duty” They remarked.

“Yeah, but some rules should be followed” The unicorn said as he was about to close the portal. “Some you just have to obey”

“Then some just get in the way” The rounds guard grinned darkly.

A new pair of guards came around to relieve the two that had been stationed, only they did not find any trace of anypony. The portal was closed, but the situation still raised alarm.. “Search the area, I’ll keep watch here. We will need to send a team in to inspect the dungeon, once you’ve looked around for clues”

Nodding to their commanding officer, the second guard rushed off to perform their duty and left the Commander alone, though not for long.

“Halt!” He called, seeing something moving in the distance, coming closer. “Drummer? You can’t be done looking already” He squinted, but it was dark. He was a Pegasus, so had no gift of magick to aid him. “Halt, and identify!”

The figure stumbled closer, and collapsed, calling to the other. “Commander…” It was the one who had come through earlier from the rounds in the dungeon.

“Redfield!” The commander rushed to the follow guard, and looked them over. “What happened here? Are you alright?” They tried to reach the fallen. “Was it… Trixie?”

Lunging up, and biting at the commander’s throat, the other pony was suddenly filled with life. The force of their bite went right through, ripping open the throat and freeing the blood to wash over the attacker’s face. The commander could only choke and stumble back, as they bled out. The scene around him was quickly painted by his life, and he collapsed as another figure came near, but was dead before ever identifying it.

Countess Trixie stood over the cooling corpse, no longer the husk, but fully reborn to her terrifying self. She fed upon the other that once guarded her, and had the health granted by their own. She looked to the guard who aided her escape, as they madly licked at the puddles of blood not daring to go for the source with their new master near. “Fool…” She sneered. “You wasted so much, and left evidence all around. Lap it up” She commanded, and the pony quickly set to work.

Admiring the fallen further, she was pleased they were a Pegasus. “Ah, new wings” She stroked the lifeless limbs, and could feel what blood and energy that yet lingered. She placed a hoof to the body, and with her magick ripped the wing free. The sickening sound of flesh tearing, ligaments and veins popping and snapping from the body, as well as the crack of bones forced apart echoed around the space. Trixie inspected the place she once held wings, finding the scabs there now. She used her mouth, and ripped it away. Her blood oozed out, not like normal blood should, but it acted more like glue aiding as the stolen wing was attached. She repeated this to the other side, and found the new set not yet to her liking but did not have time to do anything about it as the second guard returned. She set eyes upon him, as they were frozen in the sight before them. Their commander mutilated, a fellow guard lapping at blood like some crazed beast, and the creature in pony form restored.

Unable to move, mind reeling from all that was before them, and allowing Trixie to make her next move. Her first move was twisting her head around, almost too far for a pony to be able to do. She moved slowly in this action, helping to keep the fear pulsing through the guard. “Trixie will become bloated by so much sustenance” She turned fully to him, making slow steps closer, though it seemed she barely touched the ground. “You imprisoned Trixie. Let her starve… save for the sexual energies of those horny guards, which Trixie has to say was less than fulfilling. Now, Trixie is offered feast after feast? How can she be so lucky?”

Sense finally returning, the guard stepped back to attempt to run, only the time wasted also allowed Trixie’s new wings to set, and she leapt to the sky. She moved as well as she had ever, and took the guard down with ease.

***

Princess Cadence was struggling, as she felt another life disappear. Her heart sank, and she stumbled as another fell to Trixie. Shining was also feeling something sickening, as he had a tie to his guards. They both knew something was going on, and it was dangerously close to where Trixie was being held. They, almost at once, called this out stopping all conversations going on with the Twins, Spike, and the three mare champions.

They moved to the Heart Map, and the Princess quickly summoned it to life. She was not happy to see the signs of a number of lives fading as the last bits of their souls lingered, and something corrupt was in the area. “There has been murder, and the culprit is…” She swallowed, knowing that signal too well. “Trixie is loose…”

Not needing anything further, the three crusaders charged out to face the threat, twins and Spike following behind. Princess Cadence raced to collect Empress Morphosia, as Prince Shining Armor charged out to get his guards to safety, and form a shield around the area Trixie was.

With a shield in place, the guards could only look on with shock, fear, and some with shame, as Countess Trixie paced around the edge of the field, licking her lips, and sizing up the ponies like a hungry predator.

Arriving shortly after the shield was put up, the six young champions took in the scene. It was a lot cleaner than expected, though there were signs of blood that was once splattered about. This caused Sweetie Belle to ask “Has she done anything?”

“There are a couple guards missing, and she has clearly killed three, can only assume that the missing pair are also slain” One reported back.

“Trixie did intend to keep Redfield around, however he was messy” Trixie chimed in.

“She does seem to act like she is biding her time, like she thinks she can get out” The guard continued, ignoring the comment.

Sweetie studied the guard, and groaned softly. “She can get out” This seemed to surprise the others, much to the Zebracorn’s further disappointment. “She feeds on magick, remember?”

Scoffing, Trixie stopped her pacing. “Spoil Trixie’s fun” She took stock of all the ponies around her, with a poor defense between them and her. “Trixie does like to toy with her prey, but it is no fun when the prey knows her games” She paused, and looked at Scootaloo. “Oh, good, you did find your friend” She took in the twins and Spike as well. “And so much more for Trixie to feed on, though you will have to pardon Trixie, after so many ponies she is a bit full. She has been shriveled and empty for some time, it will take time before Trixie can engorge like she use too”

“You monster! Talking about killing so easily!” Scootaloo snapped, moving closer and amusing Trixie.

“It takes one to know one, yes?” Trixie shot back. “You and that blasted Flock fed pony after pony into those machines, never finding satisfaction, any more than Trixie”

Growling, while being baited, Scootaloo wanted to break through the shield. “Don’t talk about her! She’s gone, and all that will be gone with her”

“How fortunate for Trixie. More prey, and less predators trouncing in Trixie’s spoils”

Sweetie Belle cut into this posturing, as Apple Bloom held their friend back. “You cannot win this, not with all of us here, and Empress Morphosia on her way. You will just end up back in that prison, or worse. Do you want to die or left as an undead husk?” The Zebracorn attempted to reach through the twisted mind of the vampire. “Please end this, you don’t have to be a monster and continue this cycle. We can find some way to reverse the effects of the Alicorn Amulet, and try to restore you to that Trixie who once gave her life to save me”

The crazed look in the burning red eyes made it hard to tell what was going through the broken mind, until she began to laugh, making all clear. “You amuse Trixie, but only so much, and Trixie has much catching up to do” She lifted her head, horn shimmered, then the shield started to flow into her. The order to cut the shield came, and Trixie only grinned. When she lowered her head again, she locked onto the young Unicorn. “What is this? A peace offering? Truly depraved to give this young pony, though what can Trixie expect from guards who would fuck a living corpse?”

A couple of the guards looked nervous, and more than one of the group against Trixie took notice of them, while Pumpkin trotted closer. “This is not you, miss Trixie” The filly began. “I have heard of you, and how you were so many things, but never a monster. You had a show, entertained others, maybe played a trick or two, even acted a bit full of yourself. The Great and Powerful Trixie never wanted to really hurt others, only the Countess Trixie does that. You are not her”

“What do you know of Trixie?!” The vampire grew annoyed. “Countess Trixie has been this for longer than you have been alive! Dare not speak as if you know Trixie!”

Pumpkin shook her head slowly. “No, I did not know you, but I can see into your soul. I can see deep into those eyes, behind all the luster and madness caused by a cursed artifact. I can see a mare who hates what she has allowed herself to become, but still is not so lost that her soul has been destroyed. You are possessed, just like the legendary Princess Luna had been, and you too can be free”

“FOAL!!!” Trixie lunged at the pony, as those around tried to get there first. Pumpkin did not show fear, and watched as the vampire was closing in on her.

“Be free” Pumpkin simply said, then embraced the attacking creature. She was glowing now, and as they connected, the light was blinding. No pony could bear to look, even Spike had to turn from it, and in the center a scream went out. The light faded and those able to see first saw the shape of two ponies, one standing, one on the ground. The worst was assumed.

Pound rushed to his sister “Pumpkin!” Though in the short trip his vision cleared and saw it was not his sister, but Trixie on the ground. “What… What happened?”

More recovered, and all looked on in shock at what played out. Trixie was passed out on the ground, almost seeming to be normal again, the sickly red aura was gone from her, and some of her colour was returned. If not for the stolen wings, she would have seemed to be that mare Pumpkin spoke of.

“Was that the Element of Laughter?” Scootaloo asked, looking to her friends for an answer to what just happened.

“No…” Sweetie Belle was dazed, and quick to answer as she was sure. She lingered though, not explaining anything further for a moment. “She has her own… She has Kindness… but it seems it too has changed to be something else. She cured Trixie” She trotted over to the mares, and looked briefly at Pumpkin, but was focused on Trixie.

Opening her eyes slowly, no longer smoking with energy, or tinted red, Trixie was awake. She attempted to stand, but found little strength to do so, yet she also felt better than she had in ages as she fell back to the ground. “Wh-What?..” She looked around, seeking some answer. “What happened? I don’t feel… I’m not craving magick… not thirsting for blood… These feelings are gone…” She started to cry, barely able to move her head, as she wanted to look to the sky. “Has Trixie… truly been saved?” Her voice was breaking, as she shuttered with this feeling of salvation. “Is the nightmare finally over?!”

Sweetie Belle was also in tears as she knelt down, looking into the mare’s eyes and seeing none of the monster that were here moments before. “Yes… It seems so… You are saved, just as you once saved me…” She bit back. “I… Because of me… you put on the amulet, and were forced into a role you should have never been”

Trixie lay flat, staring into nothing as his mind cleared. “Free… but still trapped by all the horror Trixie inflicted… forever haunted by the visions of each victim… Trixie’s sacrifice for you, was not your fault… do not hate the last good thing Trixie ever did… It’s the only good memory she has…”

The ground started to shake, as a new wave of ponies came charging in. Princess and Prince lead the charge, as Empress Morphosia flew down with her broodkin. They all expected battle, only to find calm.

“What has happened?” Shining demanded, seeing Trixie on the ground, and concluding what it meant. “Did you defeat her?” He looked at the guards that were already here. “Why has none of you taken her into custody?!”

Sweetie Belle stood and approached him. “The Countess Trixie has been defeated, and is no more. Trixie does remain, no longer the vampire who threatened so many, but a meek and humble mare who is left scarred by the form she was trapped in” He studied her, not sure what she was saying to him, and she pressed further. “I am a loyal member of the court, honoured even. As a champion of many battles in the name of the Crystal Empire, keeper of the Element of Magick, and Stormbreaker… I ask that Trixie be pardoned and cleared of the charges on her because of the Alicorn Amulet’s curse. I ask, no beg, on all that my name means here, that this mare not be condemned, and not be treated as Countess Trixie would have been. The actions of one, as not hers”

Cadence and Morphosia shared a gasp, as did many others, as the muttering around the crowd began at this bold request. Sweetie Belle’s friends were not as stricken, but still skeptical. The Prince, standing mouth agape, was shocked the hardest by this. He was silent for a moment, however his surprise became fury. “Pardoned?! PARDONED?!!” He shouted, losing all his control. “For all the horrors she has committed in Equestria, not even covering the ones done in this Empire, and you think she should be forgiven?! How are we to forget all the atrocities she had done?” HE tried to calm himself, closing his eyes only to have visions play out to remind him of the things he spoke of. The sight of the mutilated family, and the guards, as well as the pain Morphosia endured when she had been forced to drain the monster to save the Empire. “I cannot even have peace in my mind with the things I have seen, thinking of innocent foals and ponies left to rot from her assault. If she is no longer that vampire, it only means she is mortal enough to finally end!”

The twins soon joined with Sweetie in the defense of the mare. “You can’t punish her” Pumpkin started. “She is not that creature that committed those acts, not any more. She was under a curse, and it made her do awful things, but if we can’t see past that, we’re no better. Stories of Princess Luna says that she too was changed, and did terrible things, but she was forgiven. You told us about how the Changelings, and Empress Morphosia were under the control of Queen Chrysalis, they were welcomed back after a given time” She was clearly affected by this, as she blinked away the tears, only for more to come. “Our aunt Pinkie Pie was put under Discord’s spell, and made copies of herself that terrorized the town. She was never given a chance to redeem herself, and ran away… We never got to know her, because she was forced to feel like she ruined everything and was haunted by all the memories of what happened… You can’t punish her without giving her a chance to see that she wasn’t at fault, and prove to all of us that she is free of that! Please… don’t condemn her…”

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom listen to these pleas, and they two felt moved to give the former villain a chance to prove she is indeed former and not still. They moved to join the others, and stood before the enraged Prince. There was a silence as Princess Cadence read the hearts of these ponies, finding them filled with conviction. Pumpkin was giving off that power again, displaying that she indeed was the keeper of an Element of Harmony.

The Prince was not showing so much rage, but disbelieving in what he was seeing. He took in each of them in turn before giving a hard sigh, he was listening but unable to find the reason. “My… my sister blamed herself for what happened in the Shatter Storm'' He began, leaving the rest to wonder what he was going to say. “She fought hard against the villains, and chaos that was ripping our land apart. She made mistakes, but she was not to blame for what happened. She never did it in malice or cruelty to others, only trying to save ponies. She too left to die alone, because of the shame in her heart for failing…” His tone quickly changed from reflection, to condemnation. “Trixie’s actions are not those of somepony trying to help, but one twisted by their own selfishness. Trixie was self centered before, and it only allowed the Alicorn Amulet to take hold of her core desires all the easier! She came into the Empire, killed a guard and took his form so she could trick his family into letting this MONSTER into their homes! She slaughtered children, likely in the body of their own father! She killed others, and nearly killed you Sweetie Belle, and in that forced Morphosia to go against herself to drain Trixie. Had she not made that SACRIFICE, who knows what else would have happened?!”

Sweetie Belle did not back down. “The fact I nearly died at her corrupted self, and now stand at her defense, should speak as loudly as you standing for the Changelings!” She moved closer, nearly nose to nose. “You demanded we accept them, yet here you condemn another?! The Changelings committed horrors under a spell, and some even looked like they enjoyed it, but because you don’t have some personal feelings for Trixie, she isn’t worth forgiving?”

“What are you insinuating?” Shining said dangerously serious.

“It’s not hard to see that you have feelings for Morphosia,” She shot back, and no pony around seemed to question this. “I don’t care if you are interested in her, what I care about is this double standard you have. The Changelings did just as much as Trixie did, especially using the image of somepony beloved to feed off innocent ponies. So don’t you stand there like they are any more worthy of a second chance than any others, just because you are attracted to one”

Shining was beside himself, looking around at the crowd, finding many seeming to agree with her. He looked to Cadence, and her eyes told that his secret was not one at all. “I- I…” He stammered, not sure what to address at this moment. “How dare you try to redirect their issue on me?! The Changelings broke the hold of Chrysalis before they ever joined us, and helped end the war with her and Sombra. That was where I formed my basis of giving them a second chance, not because of any feelings I had toward one!”

“So must Trixie fight in a battle to be given a chance, or tickle your fancy?” Sweetie snapped, causing more of the crowd to mutter.

“I am the Prince of this Empire, the last true territory of Equestria, and you will not speak to me like this!” He stood taller, horn glowing.

“I’m Sweetie Belle, and I’ve long abandoned Equestria, and never committed myself to be a citizen of this Empire. I fight and stand for the rights of the oppressed, beaten, and any who need saving from corrupt or the cruel. Where do you stand?” Her own horn was glowing, but she was also aglow in the Element of Magick.

Trixie struggled, falling a few times in her attempts, but she managed to stand during the argument. She weakly trotted forward, pushing past those who had come to her side, and moved past Sweetie. The two focused on her now, as she stood before the Prince. She raised her chest the best she could. “Don’t fight over Trixie… You both are right, but the facts remain… Trixie did terrible things, and if her death will keep the last home of ponies safe… if it will please the Prince, and others to see Trixie dead… Then execute me…” She closed her eyes, doing nothing to slow the streams. “I can’t live with what I did any more than you can… The memories will haunt me… please… bring rest to the ghosts within me, and let them be free… I wish to face my punishment”

Now Shining was left with no sense of what to do, not expected her to throw herself to his judgement. The villains he had fought time and time again, were always stuck on their twisted ideas of themselves and their actions, but she was not. She was showing herself much more like the Changelings had, and that steadfast thought that she was unforgivable, was shaken.

“Life for a life” The Princess began, moving closer. “The exchange of blood, to clean away the stains of blood. A villain can only ever be a villain, for all they know is evil'' She stood now beside Shining, but was focused on Trixie. She could make the strike true, with her heart sense, she knew just where to hit and how. “War and violence, teaches us that those who do harm, or are not aligned to our views, are the enemy and will only ever be. It trains us to enjoy the slaughter of those who hurt us, if only for the satisfaction of revenge. We lose sight of why we fight, as we focus more on just fighting. We lose ourselves in order to win. When the smoke clears, and the bodies of friend and foe lie scattered around, do you find happiness knowing the battle is over and we stand victorious? Has all the pain and loss been magickally undone? Has anything been restored? We end an enemy, but nothing is returned. Those we lost, that part of ourselves sacrificed, is still gone” She looked at Shining reading the emotions in him, not just about Trixie, but of the fact he fought a friend because of his feelings and also the feelings he was repressing about Morphsoia forced to the light. She could read the emotions around her, and many of the creatures gathered here were feeling her words. “Sometimes, we are forced to do something that goes against ourselves. We commit atrocities, because we have or feel we have no other choice. Some force us to do this. Sombra, and Chrysalis forced our hooves, and we ended them… they proudly showed that they would not change. Countess Trixie forced our friend to do something against her beliefs, but she did not kill. She shows a restraint and compassion we all should envy.

“Trixie, you now present yourself to be judged and to be sentenced for your crimes, while your defense pleads that we not hold you accountable. I can read your heart, I can feel the sincerity of your words. I feel the pain in you… the suffering. You are filled with ghosts, victims of the damned relic. You were turned by it, because you sacrificed yourself to save Sweetie Belle and Zecora. You stood against Nightmare Rarity and her demons, and showed no fear. You were prepared to die then. You stand before us, not in fear, but remorse. You are prepared to die now. Just as then, you will not die now” There were mixed reactions around them, though Cadence cared little for their thoughts now. “We cannot treat you like an Apex Villain any more than we could treat the Changelings like monsters. Influence and corruption is all around, be it a necklace, ancient wickedness, or mind control. I sentence you to life, your life, to live out as you wish. I know that you will spend it with the thoughts of what has happened, and I believe you will do what you can to try to heal the damage you can”

“But…” Trixie started. “Sparing me will do nothing for those I have destroyed! Something must be done to render aid to the lives ruined by me”

Cadence was trotting away, but stopped to look back. “The idea that punishment or execution does any real good for the victims, is a farce. It might soothe for a moment, but it will never undo what was done. It will never give back what was taken. Punishments are not meant to heal victims, but teach those who do wrong, make them better, so they can try to do better for others. It is meant as a warning to others” She took a moment, reading Trixie’s heart. “The suffering in you, the pain you feel, shows me that you have learned. It will not go easily from you, but make your actions from now on the efforts to not only ease your poor heart, but all others. Do not keep punishing yourself, or this second chance will be wasted, and those souls will be dishonoured. Use this as motivation, and be better. For yourself, and for all of them”

Trixie studied her for a moment, then looked down as so much weight was on her mind and heart. “I will become a better pony, and I will strive to do right for all. I will go out of my way to help others, and be a blessing to this Empire… but I don’t see how my heart will ever heal, or that I will ever be empty of all these visions…”

Shining Armor was observing all in silence, wanting to still be mad, but he knew his wife well and she did not pardon easily. If she read Trixie’s heart, and was willing to spare her, then he needed to try to let go of what she did. It would be hard, as he was haunted by the visions of that slaughtered family, but he also was under the control of a Changeling once, who would have done horrors even greater had he not been saved. Now, those same creatures are part of his Empire, and much loved at that. His feelings for one were now exposed, and he had to admit that if he could find love for them, he could at least find forgiveness for Trixie.

“The visions will consume you” Morphosia found time to add herself to this topic, and was speaking to Trixie. “You will see their faces many times, and wonder how you have the right to live while they are gone? There will be times you wish to just curl up and waste away, but you will also have days when you see the smiles of friends and remember that the thing you were is not the creature you are'' Trixie took in these words, as the Empress continued. “When you find friends, and those who care for you, it will help. Don’t think of it that you are escaping punishment for your crimes, but that you have come so far from that monster that you are redeemed and no longer a monster. If you know the stories, tell them, and let those who died live on. If you don’t know the tales, keep them alive in you. Give them your love, and know that you won’t add more ever again to your list of victims''

“Thank you… I will try…” Trixie said weakly, not entirely sure she could find that point. “I don’t know how I can, but I will try to do just that”

“Come to me, or any of my broodkin, we know this pain well and how to grow past it to be kind and share love, not just feed on it. You will be welcomed by my kind, and I believe you will be welcomed by your own as well in time”

******

After the troubles with Trixie were over, Scootaloo decided to go look into something that was brought to their attention. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom wanted to try to help Pound and Pumpkin figure out their Elements, however this was something Scootaloo was not as experienced in. This endeavour was a bit more in her range.

She trotted along, still not fully embracing her wings as the memories of her past were still clinging to her. The Pegasus was given the address, and first went to the diner that the Twins and Spike had gone hoping for the same chance encounter, as she was a bit nervous to go right to their home. After a couple hours, she decided to leave.

Continuing on until she came upon a small house, Scootaloo felt an unease that nearly caused her to turn away. This was once a rival, and bully, but they seemed to have changed and Scootaloo was not sure what to expect. With All the stories around, Scootaloo had given this a chance as well.

“This is dumb” She turned, thinking that it was now better that she and the others talk together not just her alone.

“Scootaloo?” A voice called from the house, standing in the doorway now. The mare turned to see the silver coated mare who had called her name. “Is that you?” Her voice was similar enough that it was unmistakable, but matured to something a bit more finner to the ear.

Turning again, the mare took a deep breath. “The one and only” She called back, not sure why she said it like that. Before she knew it, the mare had cut the distance and was embracing her.

“I’m so glad you’re safe!” She sobbed, buried partly in the Pegasus’ artificial wing.

******

Later that night, after Countess Trixie was defeated, with regular Trixie being pardoned, Prince Shining Armor entered the bed chambers of he and his wife. She had not spoken of the matters with Morphosia, and he could not find the time either. It was not something to just casually speak of, but now as the day drew to an end, he knew it needed to be addressed.

“Cadence…” He started, not entering the bed as she had. “Today-”

Stopping him, the Princess looked at him with a mixed expression. “Shining, you don’t need to talk about it. I don’t care” She said with a hidden meaning.

“I can’t believe that, and I feel I’ve betrayed you…” He struggled, not wanting to face those feelings he thought were better buried.

Rolling to face him fully, she looked more sympathetic. “You didn’t betray me, just because you have feelings for another. Do you love me any less, do you want her more?” She more or less knew the answer, but for the both of them it needed to be said out loud.

“No,” He quickly said. “Yes, I do love her, in a way I thought I could only love one, but she doesn’t match the love I have for you now. We’ve been together for many years now, faced and ruled side by side through the worst tragedy ponies have ever faced, and I could never replace you with another”

She smiled knowingly, but with also some relief. “I’m glad, in a way, you do have another you feel such love for… in case I ever die, you should be with someone who can love you like I do. You and her would have my blessing” This was a bit surprising to him. “Only if I die” She added sternly.

“I would never leave you for another, and I don’t think I could live on without you” He responded, with pure honesty.

“Don’t be so sappy” She smirked. “Of course you could, but thank you” She rolled on her back. “I’ll be honest with you, I was feeling something for Equinox… but then I found out he was my dead grandfather, and that is just a series of facts that kind of killed that”

Getting into the bed with her, cuddling up to her. “Kind of?” He questioned.

“Yes… I mean… it did…” She struggled. “He made me feel like only you have ever managed to make me feel, so those thoughts remain, but incest aside that is necrophilia… so…”

“I was jealous of him, until he told you that” He admitted. “I felt he could steal you from me… he is a very good looking stallion, and had an air to him that is something I kind of wish I had”

“Oh, but you do, my fierce Prince” She moved to embrace him. “But you also have such a gentle side, and such love that no other can match”

He kissed her briefly, but passionately. “No pony can compare to the Princess of Love”

“No pony, but what about Changelings?” She teased.

He took the sting, feeling a mix of guilt and admitting that was a good jab. “I feel I should talk to Morphosia too…” He turned serious.

“We should, so she knows everything is ok” Cadence added.

There was a silence for a time, as the two were falling asleep, but Cadence had something on her mind. “You think she would join us?”

Shining’s eyes went wide. “What?!”

“I’m not against the idea…” She pouted. “I am the Princess of Love, and love is expressed in many ways”

The Prince rolled on his back, and stared at the ceiling. “I thought those days were behind us?”

She cuddled closer to him. “They can be, if you want. I’m still open to experimenting, but only if you still are. Aren’t you a bit curious to see what a Changeling can do, when you are willing?”

He rolled from the bed and stared now at her with an angry, and painful expression. “Don’t joke about that! I still feel guilty about how Chrysalis used me, and I couldn’t even tell that it wasn’t you!”

“Shine, you had no control or any way to know that she wasn’t me. I’ve told you I don’t blame you. Don’t let it haunt you. I was only joking, not trying to hurt you with that… I’m sorry”

He paced a bit, before giving a sigh. “I really should have known… She might have looked like you, but she didn’t feel like you” He gave a playful grin. “We can talk more about this later, right now I want the real thing”

She pulled the covers away, and held a seductive look upon her face. “Invade me, my fierce Prince”

***

Trixie was set up in a temporary house, alone as she wished it to be. Though she was not under arrest, she was being observed. This she could not argue, given what had gone on.

There were a few simple things in the house, some needed furnishings for basic comforts, as well as some other things to have as decorations. She found a small figurine of a wagon, and remembered her own. She sat in a chair beside it, and could not take her gaze from it. “The Great and Powerful Trixie, will now perform her greatest feat to date” She started, speaking softly to herself. “She will transform from a selfish bitch who destroyed countless lives, to a corpse…” She was using her magick to draw close a knife and aim it at herself.

A knock came to her door, and she snapped from her state. The knife clattered to the ground as she stood up, and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Answering the door, she found Spike there. She stepped back, as the Dragon was imposing one on one. He did not get permission, and just forced his way inside as she continued to step back.

“Trixie” He started, using his size to his advantage. “You tormented Twilight, and were nothing but a pain in the ass for so long” He was being rather aggressive toward her, not holding back his feelings. “You might have changed, I hope you changed, but I will be keeping an eye on you. You make a mistake, hurt those Twins who stood for you, or anypony else, then you’ll see what happens when you piss off a dragon”

Before she could respond, he was gone. Alone with her feelings, still thinking about how close she came to ending her life, and now she was feeling it even more. Then a voice cut through her dread. “Hello? Your door is open, is it ok if I come in?”

Fighting her tears, and breaking voice, she called back. “Yes…”

A Changeling, not much different than any other Trixie knew, trotted in. They looked around the room, then at her, and gave her a smile she had never known to be reserved for her. “Hi, I’m Noh”

“No?” Trixie repeated, confused by the name.

“Yeah… kinda silly, but it’s a type of theater I like, but also sounds like something else” She laughed a bit nervously. “Changelings aren’t so good at name picking as ponies are”

Trixie found herself with a hint of a smile. “That’s ok, it’s a good name” She recalled the style of theater a moment after.

“Sorry to bother you so late, but I wanted to welcome you to the Empire, and kind of… figured you might be feeling a little alone… I… I know what that’s like” She looked down, with unfortunately too much truth in her words. “I don’t know if anyone else has, but I like to offer you friendship?”

“Me?” Trixie was a bit shocked by this sudden appearance and offer. “Why?”

Looking back up, more confident. “Ponies can be a bit harsh, and I know how that is. It took a long time before the Changelings felt safe and welcome here… but we had the brood… I don’t think you have that… Sorry to assume that, but if you are alone… I want to make sure that you’re not!”

Finding herself with a new reason, Trixie tried to clear away the dampness at her cheeks. “Why? Why would you give me a chance, you don’t know me, besides all the terrible things I did… why offer me this?”

“I helped capture Princess Cadence, helped keep others from getting too close to the truth, and was part of the group who nearly succeeded in taking down Canterlot… but it wasn’t me, it was our Queen who forced us. No pony can tell me from another, and I doubt many Changelings would even know who was part of that attack… but I know, and it haunts me, along with dozens of other moments where I hurt others… I can’t say I know just what you faced, or feel, but I can relate. Watching there as the Prince wanted to kill you, and those ponies who stood for you… I felt a connection. I want to be friends, but if you don’t…”

Shaking her head, Trixie was openly crying now. “Noh… Yes… I want to be friends… I just can’t believe how any would want me…”

The Changeling moved closer, feeling bolder now. “I know I’m not the only one who will give it, and we won’t be the only ones to offer it in time. So, don’t be worried about anything. You’ll-” As she was moving, she kicked the knife and looked at it confused by why it was there.

“Thank you Noh…” Trixie said, trying to ignore the knife and the feelings from earlier, but she feared they would return.

“I’ll go, so you can settle in, or whatever it is ponies do” She gave a brief, unsure sound like a laugh, as she started to turn and leave.

Trixie was hesitant, but then snapped out. “Could you stay tonight?” She found it surprising she asked it, but at the same time she knew the risks if she was alone. “Just tonight… I’m afraid of what I might do alone…”

Not showing a moment of uncertainty, Noh turned back with a smile that ate away the negative feelings Trixie was being likewise consumed by. “Of course, if you’ll have me. And you’re not alone, not anymore”

Record 12: Old Trix

End

Author's Note

The number of The Elements of Harmony have gone up, as the numbers in the Apex of Villainy go down.

Only a few records remain, and the greatest challenges of the Stormbreakers and the last of Equestria still remain just ahead.

Harmony must still stand against its eternal foes, the Wickedness of Nightmares, and the Cruelty of Chaos.