My Little Pony: Stormbreaker

Record 13: Divisions

The Crystal Empire was in a relaxed state, at least the general populace was, however those charged with defending it and facing the last of the villains still lingering in the world outside this safe haven were not. They found themselves largely consumed with planning, and were busy making themselves ready for the next stages of this war to restore Equestria and end the wickedness that had plagued the world for too long.

As a few weeks passed by since Countess Trixie was defeated for the second, and seemingly the last time, the once proud and arrogant mare was distant and evasive. She only seemed to spend time with her friend Noh, as well as a few other Changelings. Trixie could not shake her guilt for her past, luckily the Changelings did keep her from feeling completely lost.

Not shirking their duties, the new keepers of the Elements were hard at work mastering their powers. The Twins were quick to their lessons, trained well under the guidance of Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Sweetie was taking notes of their progress, comparing them to her own, and was amazed at their grasp of the Elements. It could have been a number of factors, however it was only important that they were already at a point that they could likely stand with the three others when battle came.

Finishing some notes of Apple Bloom’s continued progress and abilities with her Elemental Eye, Sweetie could only fondly imagine how proud Twilight would have been to see them all so capable and helping end what she had given everything to undo. “We’ll fix this, and maybe one day I’ll find a way to save you too” She thought.

Becoming aware of Bloom who was poking around the room, Sweetie also noticed the repeat absence of Scootaloo. She had been almost as scarce as Trixie since that night she went to meet the pony who had wanted to meet the three of them. “Have you seen Scootaloo?” It was needlessly so, but she glanced toward her friend, well aware of the answer. “I will need some updates on her progress”

“Ain’t seen much of that one lately” Bloom almost unconsciously responded, having been so regular now. “She’s been run’ a bunch of errands, but I ain’t so sure just why she’s been harder to find than a hay bunny in the loft”

Sweetie tried to rationalize it. “I guess she is just enjoying the quiet we have right now, after all those years as a pawn and all, I can’t blame her for wanting to get away” She took a clearing breath. “Cosmatia knows I had moments where I was just happy not having to wonder what thing was going to try to kill me today” It had been hard for her to let her guard enough to enjoy those moments, but when she did, they were very pleasant to have. She also knew that she, as well as Bloom and Scootaloo were still part of the front line, and needed to be sharp.

Agreeing with her spoken part, Bloom added. “It’s a nice feeling alright. Being able to even piss without wondering what yer pissing on or not have’n some new monster ready to chomp yer teats”

“I still have trouble with that though, pretending it’s all ok when I know it’s not. Even in those brief moments, I know it takes nothing for something to go wrong. My mind can’t find rest long enough, without wondering what Discord is up to, or… how I’ll have to face Rarity…”

Moving to her, Apple Bloom embraced her friend. Sweetie admitted many times that she knew Rarity was gone, yet the words still spilled out at times, as if Nightmare Rarity was just hiding the Unicorn away in some cave or box. Hoping against hope that things could change, deep down even Sweetie admitted that the Nightmare being had long consumed Rarity. This did not stop Bloom from offering. “We can always try to reach her. Changelings have been freed, Scootaloo unbrainwashed, and Trixie was uncorrupted. If Rarity is still there, we’ll get her back… just don’t fall prey to her tricks”

Laying against her friend’s inviting, and loving form, Sweetie sighed a defeated sigh. “I doubt there is anything to save, every one of those examples were under some influence that was outside. The Nightmare being is different, based on what I read in a bundle of notes Twilight had from Princess Luna, it feeds and consumes the host. That is why when Luna was saved, she was reverted to a younger state. The Nightmare being took her slowly, and by the time she had enough power over Luna, she only kept it for a few days. Being trapped on the moon halted the process, and so even after a thousand years, she was only as far as she had the same power as that fateful night. The Nightmare has had over 13 years to consume Rarity without anything to hinder it”

“Though unlikely, we can’t give up completely” Bloom tried again, even though she too was sure it was a lost cause.

“Back when we faced her, when we first made our way to the Empire, we fought her. I didn’t feel a trace of Rarity, I only let myself become so diluted to believe she was safe. I can’t make a mistake like that again, or it could threaten everything we’ve worked for” She pulled from Bloom, and stood. “If we had all six Elements, I might have some glint of hope, but we are at five. Even with Pumpkin’s abilities, I can’t see it being enough to undo such an ancient and powerful entity. If I know Rarity, she would rather us stop that thing, than risk saving her on a distant, unlikely chance”

Taking this in, Apple Bloom had to admit that her own sister sacrificed herself to save her. Though Rarity and Applejack butted heads on many things, she knew the two mares were absolutely protective of their sisters and if Rarity had any power she would have stopped Nightmare from doing Sweetie harm. “One way or another, we can take on Nightmare. Maybe we ain’t a whole set, but we got what our kin didn’t when they first fought Nightmare; we’re friends who’ve fought hard side by side. You, me, Scoot, we’re tighter than a saddle after a feast! Those two twins we got now, they’re just as tight, and together we got a power mightier than even those who came before us. Alone, our Elements have shown such abilities that I’d say is stronger than the six had combined. Though I’d say Discord is still a problem, but we can lick a demon doing a bad pony impression”

Studying her friend, who again seemed to singly pulled Sweetie from the depths of doubt she could only ask. “How are you always so positive?”

Shrugging it off, the mare could only offer. “I expect the worst, and hope fer the best. If’n it falls somewhere between, well that’s just fine by me”

Giving a weak smile, though she did feel it, Sweetie accepted this logic. “A fair way to deal with the world, but speaking to planning, how should we face the problem in question? As Discord remains distant, I think Nightmare should be our next target before she or he gets any ideas. Do we go full force, or hold back? We can’t leave the Empire unguarded”

“I ain’t much for big battle plans, not near that scale. I’d reckon it ain’t too smart to throw the whole Empire against the forces of Evergreed, not with Discord about, and by Trixie’s own admission, he has been able to slip a bit of himself in here already. Then again, he hasn’t been too much of a problem, and we don’t know how much we’re in fer with Nightmare”

“We need to collect Scootaloo and the twins, then speak to the Prince and Princess about what should be done. We can’t let too much time pass, and let them make plans or moves on us In the lull” She concluded, and the pair soon were off. They soon caught up with Scootaloo, with an unlikely friend, but the moment did not allow them to linger. With the twins soon in the band, the majority of the Elements of Harmony were ready to stand before the leaders of the pony world.

In the time it took for the Prince and Princess to join the gathering in the grand meeting hall, Apple Bloom had time to pick on Scootaloo and her actions during her absence.

“I think it’s romantic” Pumpkin had come to Scootaloo’s defense. “Two former rivals, coming together through the uncertainty of a broken world, to find love after losing so much… Somepony needs to write this”

“You call me sappy and dramatic” Pound mocked his sister.

Bloom accepted this, however was still amused by the details. “I get it, but still, of all ponies, Si-” She stopped when the doors had parted, and the royal ponies joined them. Princess Cadence was lead, with Prince Shining Armor close to her side, and flanking her other was Empress Morphosia.

The Princess wore a pleased smile, something getting her attention. “Scootaloo, I can feel your heart has much improved since last I saw you, I’ve rather happy that the Empire has found you so well” Bloom elbowed her friend at this, but the leading mare ignored this action to focus on the true topic. “So to the matter at hoof, we are talking about making a move on Nightmare Rarity, Evergreed, and her Demon horde” She passed this discussion onto Shining Armor.

Moving forward to be the focus, the Prince began. “Just as the Apex of Villainy had learned, making a move against one invites risk from others. We are limited in our abilities and resources, we simply cannot afford a mistake at this time. There is a reason that they are the last of such a line of wickedness. Discord may not have an army or force to strike us, but his magick poses as great a threat as battalions of warriors. The ruler of Evergreed is just that sort of legion that makes her as great a danger that we fear could match our entire populous, if not even greater. She has consumed countless ponies, and if even just half of Equestria is now part of her demons, we could not match such a terrible force; and that is to say nothing of her magick. We learned with King Sombra how quickly the tides of battle can turn against us, and we barely survived when Chrysalis joined. We would have fallen if not for the miracle that we had with Dust Jacket and the Changelings who broke the hold. We can’t hope for such an event to happen again with no more forces outside the Crystal Empire, Evergreed or Chaos Realm, and I highly doubt that any dissension is in their ranks. We can, however, worry that Discord and Nightmare may join against us”

“All the more reason we need to act!” Bloom challenged. “The longer we give em, the more they might find such a union tempting!”

Sweetie Belle cut in before the two started again. “A large force would be ill advised against Nightmare Rarity” This drew the collective attention of the room. “The demons are a danger, but minimal compared to her and what she could do with us. If our first journey through the forest is any indication, Nightmare Rarity can break through my barrier, at least before I had the Element, but planning for that potential failure the trip through the forest would require for times to break for rest. The notes I’ve seen that Princess Luna shared about the Nightmare being, it will only give her greater chance to break someone’s mind the more we have and the longer we linger” She took a pause, allowing them to digest what she was saying. “A smaller group will have a better shot”

Shining was listening to her, however he was briefly seeing his sister in Sweetie’s place. She spoke and carried herself much like Twilight did, and the level of research this younger pony had done, only reflected the studious mare he lost. He could truly see why Sweetie Belle could carry the same Element of Magick.

“With my better magickal abilities, and understanding of teleportation, I can take a small group much further, and cut the risk of needing rest. We could strike directly at the heart of Evergreed and Nightmare Rarity”

“Who do you purpose goes in this team?” Shining asked, with a clear show of lingering doubts. “I have some concerns to just who you might be thinking of taking”

This was the part that Sweetie was not sure about, as she was still forming the ideas as they were talking over the details. She had already placed herself, Bloom and Scootaloo on the list, however they would need a bit more. “Apart from ourselves” She looked to her two closest friends, though much of the rest already knew what she meant. “I would not risk the Twins, for they are still inexperienced in such an adventure and the type of battle ahead. That aside, I do not want to place all the collected Elements of Harmony in the same place outside the Empire. Nightmare Rarity will require a great force, but with Discord a factor, it just isn’t that smart to put all of us on one front” Apple Bloom tried to hide her concern in this choice, as their earlier conversation about giving a try to save Rarity would need the Twins. If she saw it, Sweetie Belle ignored the look, pressing on. “If Discord should strike, I feel their talents will be better served here, along with the defenses of the Empire. As for us three, we know one another and have faced battles already together, and feel we’re the best suited against a foe that I’m not sure any of us are really prepared to face, and Bloom and I have an understanding of Nightmare having already once surviving her”

Giving a thoughtful sound when Sweetie finished, Shining spoke up to the last point of who was going. “This is my concern, is that you are too close to the villain. She might not be her, but she is born from Rarity”

“Somepony had informed me of my lineage to King Sombra” Cadence began to join her husband in his worry. “It was given after his defeat, for the very fact that they were worried it would have given me pause in stopping him” She lingered on that thought. “I don’t know how I would have reacted had I known, but we were spared that burden of knowledge. Given how you halted against Countess Trixie, it is a valid wonder that you can go in without bias against a foe who stole and appears like your sister. She twists the mind, and will use any affections against you. Can you defend yourself, your friends, our Empire and your own heart?”

Scootaloo did not give a chance to Sweetie, and was ready to answer for her. “Of course she can! She has pushed herself to her limits and beyond, brought down Rainbow Death, and we all had ties to Dash, and she wasn’t some monster masquerading as Dash, but Dash herself! Even if she did slip, Bloom and I got her back! That’s why it’s smart for us three to face this together. When one falls, the other two are right there to pick them up”

“I believe in her, with all my heart” Bloom added. “I’ve seen her face more than any y’all, a whole heap of trouble that I ain’t sure many of us could have faced. She ain’t gonna fail us. She ain’t alone either, so it ain’t all on her to do it”

Cadence suppressed her smirk, listening to the impassioned testimonials. “Seems you three are an unbeatable team then, even against our scrutiny. Any foe is unfortunate to have you pointed at them, however that does not mean you are assured. Who else would go with you on this mission? Three against one such as herself, even to Elements and friends with such harmony, it would be a foal’s errand”

There was a hesitation, as it still had not been worked out in Sweetie’s plans. “Of that, I don’t know. As warned, she is not like others we have faced. Nightmare possesses magick and dangers that not just any can say they could truly face, and fewer who actually can. Between her magick and demons, it would take a great and powerful pony to brave it”

“What about Trixie?” Pound offered, much to the surprise of the rest, besides Pumpkin. “She is still powerful with her magick, and given the fact she was trapped by the amulet thing for so long, I doubt she would let herself become caught by something else”

Shining, still not on her side, was against this. “She is equally capable of joining Nightmare!”

“Well…” Sweetie was thinking out loud. “She originally fought against Nightmare back in the Shatter Storm, sacrificing herself to save Zecora and myself. The whole reason she was consumed by the amulet was because she wanted to spite and challenge Nightmare. She might be the most suitable pony to go against her, and with her magick, it could make traveling into Evergreed even easier”

“She is still on parole” Shining countered. “She may well turn back to evil if we loosen our reigns on her. I don’t like her being loose in Evergreed, not one bit”

Cadence now spoke against her husband on this point. “She has done well in the weeks since she was freed from the Alicorn Amulet, and though she is still consumed by her guilt, she shows no signs of reverting to that path. I do not think she is a risk to let go on this mission, and she’ll never have a chance better to prove that she is a new pony”

“You believed in me when all others believed it was my broodkin attacking your ponies” Morphosia had been silent until now, speaking up in the defense of another who she felt was being wronged. “Is it the fact that she was the blame then that causes you such accusation now?”

He looked between them, then analyzed himself. “Perhaps… though I cannot apologize for my caution, but I can see it might be misplaced. Her case is slightly different, as she was an Apex Villain, you and your broodkin were the pawns of one. Finding cause to trust one is harder than it was to place my trust on a people I felt were manipulated”

“Much weighs in for her being a great alley in these trying times, much more than the weight of old wounds and prejudice of her being a danger”

Speaking again, Sweetie said “We should address her first, before we are so ready to volunteer her. She may not wish to fight, and given all she has gone through, I cannot say I blame her if she doesn’t”

Empress Morphosia brought another question to the table, as the agreement was settled on Trixie. “Will you have a need for my people? I have no doubt that many will rally to your call again, as we had in the clouds”

Apple chimed in, seeing a great potential here. “Might tip the scales in our favor. I doubt Nightmare will know how to face Changelings, and they don’t tire like ponies, so they can match them demons”

“My brood will be at the ready, and only need but a signal to make our move into the forest and take this war to her”

“Woah!” Shining cut in. “What about not risking the weakening of the Crystal Empire on this one front, when Discord could still strike?”

Facing him now, Morphosia spoke to his concerns. “Your ponies held against King Sombra without the enforcement that the stray refugees that now bolster your ranks. The Changelings turned the battle, as you were fewer and tired when we came in fresh and strong” She allowed a moment for that to sink in. “We must ensure the defeat of Nightmare Rarity, and not hold too close to our cautions on the assumption of a threat. My brood can easily match her minions, while the Crystal Empire defense still remains numerous and imposing. Discord is but one, against a powerful foe. I have the utmost confidence in your victory should he come against you, while we divide to face a greater force”

She had a great confidence and logic to her point, though it did not cover the fact that she had shifted to the attack quite quickly. “Why the change of heart? I’ve not known you to be so aggressive”

“I have studied this situation, and analyzed the risk and challenges. Believing now that a small strike team that will be at the heart of the enemy, will allow my brood to move in. With an attack within and out, we can use this bold move to shatter her lines and bring down another of the great threats to all we have struggled to achieve” Morphosia looked to Sweetie Belle. “I hope that if there is a way too, that you can save your lost kin. However, either way, the demons will pose a great danger, and should be dealt with quickly, and without hesitation. We shale act under your orders, and if we are to hold against Nightmare, then we will, however we shall not allow all we have worked for to fall. This is why I am now poised to attack. I will not allow my new home to be lost”

There was such intensity and determination in her sudden mood, that it shook most there. Morphosia had often been seen as such a sensitive and passive creature, that shows of her ferocity was something others took notice of. A silence soon fell in the room, as the true gravity of the situation was felt. Sweetie knew she could not risk so much just for her sister or her own selfish desire to get back a piece of her past. The greater good demanded that the bigger picture be observed, and too much was at risk. This new plan was far more aggressive than she originally imagined it, though she knew that Morphosia’s assessment was correct, that a bold and decisive strike was required of them. If Rainbow Death proved anything, these dreaded years have twisted dear friends into dire foes, and there was little room to chance undoing years of corruption. Scootaloo lost somepony like a sister, and had to witness it. Applebloom also had to bear losing her sister while being helpless. Sweetie would need to swallow her hope that Rarity was any different than a victim, and fall back to her friends when the decisive blow was struck to end Nightmare Rarity.

All coming to an agreement of the plan so far, Sweetie would need to still think of who to join them, though the first step would be to speak to Trixie and find if she would join them or not.

***

Sweetie Belle did not have much trouble in finding Trixie, as the mare did not go far from her home. If she was not there, she would go to the library and study magick to better understand what she had gained and lost through the amulet. Trixie had hope to better her knowledge, and to make herself more useful to those around her. Sweetie wanted to check in on the pony and see just how she was adjusting to the new life in the Empire.

Briefly stopping to talk with Mystic Tome, Sweetie found her way to where Trixie was working. Coming upon the mare, Sweetie noted that she did not look completely well. A faded coat, a dry and stiff mane, and bandages over where stolen wings once were; they had been buried with the fallen guard, not that Trixie desired to keep them once her sanity returned.

“Good afternoon Trixie,” Sweetie greeted, gaining the others attention, who slowly turned like she was far older than she was while casting a weak smile to the younger pony. “How are you? Have you been taking care of yourself?”

The question was clear to see in Trixie, though it was custom to ask such things anyhow, to at least start a dialogue. “Not so much” Putting down the book she was currently on, she also turned back from Sweetie. “I find little reason too”

Coming around to sit across from Trixie, Sweetie took her in. “What about your friends? The efforts you’ve made since your reform and restoration has helped quite a few I’ve heard, even some of the victim’s survivors have seen it to forgive what was not truly you. Seems that there is much to take pride in, and at the very least, keep yourself better for”

“I’m haunted by what WAS me” She started slowly. “My actions, choices, and continued complacency to simply feed the monster I became. Nothing in me while under the spell of the amulet gave fight against it, and even after it was gone from me and I was simply a husk, the desire to get it all back was greater than regret for what led me to be in such a state… I was so consumed by the loss of power, I drew in those guards to slowly feed off their sexual energies until I could break free. Had it not been for that piece of Discord, who knows how many times I would have subjected myself to their rape, all for slivers of magick to feed my depravity…” Sweetie Belle had heard details of what happened during Trixie’s first defeat and the imprisonment, however besides the severe punishment those involved received, not much else has been said of the matter. “No… I have little to keep pride in, therefore I hold less cause to take care of myself” Trixie finished while Sweetie thought.

Shaking her head, Sweetie was not so easily defeated by words of a wounded creature. “You’re not the only one to let themselves become something wicked, you are not the only one that has struggled against redemption after so many years being a member of the tragedy that plagues our land. You are not the only one who struggles to forgive themself, and you are not alone in this fight” She thought it better to avoid the topic of the corrupt guards. “Noh care for you, several Changelings do as well, and they are in a very similar place. They’ve learned to find hope and pride, and to forgive themselves for misdeeds brought on by outside forces. I know you can too”

Not speaking right away, the words lingered in Trixie’s mind, however this battle was one fought many times, and the outcome was still the same. By the time Trixie did speak, Sweetie was almost worried she was not going to say anything. “You speak of those like me, however they did not bear the cause willingly. Changelings, they were ruled and controlled by a wicked creature, even your friend was consumed by her love and loyalty to another, brainwashing her to do what she did. I put that necklace to my throat, and let it’s cruel weight become comfortable. I could have removed it once I escaped Nightmare, if I could have only put aside my pride… Instead, I drank deep of that power it gave me, and feasted upon the surging pride in accomplishment I then had wearing it as I became one of the most feared beings in the wreckage of our old lives” She spoke with no excitement or showed signs of nostalgia for what she was, despite how it may have sounded, she was only filled with contempt and loathing. “I knew I was trotting down a very twisted path of wickedness, yet, head held high I strolled into the darkness and welcomed the cold embrace of villainy”

“You’re right,” Sweetie quickly said, surprising Trixie a little. “You made bad choices, and mistakes, and now you have paid for them and learned the lessons that come from trying to undo what was done when the realization sets in. A debt can only last for so long, when you work to pay it off. You can’t undo all the damage, only repair what can be fixed. However. If you continue to linger in your own self loathing and hate, you will never be free of the burden or guilt, and the debt will only extend indefinitely. If you let yourself be consumed by all those negative feelings, you will only fall into another state, potentiality as bad as the one before. Twilight did what you are doing now, and it broke her. She could have gone on to maybe help the future where she failed to in the past, but she was so consumed by her failings that she is a broken wretch, lost in the frozen wastes, both in mind and body…” Lost in the moment, Sweetie did not realize until Trixie’s expression pieced together what was just exposed.

“She is alive?” The mare was not clear to how she felt about this, as she was personally mixed up in learning a hidden truth.

Sweetie looked around, and it was fortunate that they were largely alone. It remained, however, Trixie now knew. “We cannot let this out. The memories of who she was could be shattered if what she became is learned. This is to say nothing of what her brother might do if he finds out. It is best he also thinks she fell as a noble hero who gave everything, and not a babbling madmare who has nothing left of herself” She sighed deeply, feeling a failure in keeping this important secret. “Only Cadence, myself and now you know”

“And me” Spike came around the corner, and Sweetie quickly cursed herself. He was the only other who she hoped to spare the truth, fearing what it, or he, might do. “Don’t worry about me, I learned not long ago…” He revealed. “I knew she was alive, we had a special connection, so I sought her out… seeing her like that, it broke my heart” There was a pain and sorrow set in his eyes, pushing aside the anger and distrust he had in Trixie as he looked at her. “She was my best friend, and loved me more than any other, and I loved her like no other. We had something I know I’ll never have again. Not even that fledgling love I had in Rarity could never match it. If you truly are not that creature anymore, Trixie, don’t follow Twilight. You wanted to outshine her once, you can by saving yourself her fate. There is still much more left for you, and all of us, even against everything we’ve lost, but we have to push past the past to get there”

Trixie looked at him, feeling all the pain and purity in his words. She had a lingering ability thanks to her past vampiric powers, and was much more empathetic. She still fought it, all the logic and wisdom being offered. “I did all the bad stuff, I wasn’t under a spell, or just making choices that blew up in my face. I was a villain”

“So?!” Spike snapped, slamming his tail down and shaking both the ponies. Mystic was surely as startled by the sudden outburst, though found himself again in a position not to try to silence the loudness in his library. “Twilight made mistakes and choices just the same, and caused a lot of damage. She hurt others, and ruined a lot of things, because she couldn’t get out of her own head. For all her efforts to save us, she refused to let go of her guilt and regrets, and only pushed her to do worse and worse things! Twilight never let herself expose her weakness and fears, and reach out for help. Every time, it got worse for her and all of us!” Spike shut his eyes tightly, trying to stop the sting of tears as it all grew too hard to bear. “If all you do it try to fix mistakes, but never learn from them or let them go, help others and never yourself, then all you are doing is living a lie, and you will start doing even greater damage”

“We all have pain and regrets, and things we hate about ourselves” Sweetie joined, with a much softer tone, though with as much weight to her words. “I would like to save my sister, but I haven’t done it once all these years, and now I fear I’ve waited far too long to even have hope that she is somewhere still in that monster. I’ve come to admit that she is gone, and I have to go face her. If I couldn’t accept my faults and failings, and what done is done, I couldn’t have gone as far as I have to face the challenges Apple Bloom and I have been facing. You can’t keep repressing and running from your past, and like me and Rarity, there is a time when you have to face it. My time is near, and I feel yours is too”

Spike looked now to Sweetie, and understood what she meant. “So you’re planning to face Nightmare Rarity?” He paused, hoping his next question was false. “Alone?”

“No” She replied with little hesitation. “We have a plan in motion, and I am forming a small team to go in” She looked to Trixie. “Part of why I came here was to ask Trixie to join that team” Hearing that the other mare was stricken by such a request. “I know you two have a deep history, and that you possess a great talent still. I believe in you, and your ability to fight off anything that Nightmare may throw at you. Honestly, I think you are the most assuredly the only one so far of the choices, myself included, that has the best chance to survive against her” She shifted her tone to seem less like she was ordering the mare. “I’m only asking, and you shouldn’t feel you have too despite what I just said”

“I’ll do it!” Spike cut in, surprising Sweetie Belle and giving Trixie time to think. “I lost Twilight without a fight, and Rarity was stolen from me while I was running around trying to save what little I could. If there is a hope to save her, I want to be there, but I know that if she is gone I want to also be part of the group to silence that monster. I can’t bear having two ponies I love lingering in this world as specters of what they once were. One is harmless, but one is a wraith that must be removed”

Listening to Spike, processing everything that has been said, Trixie finally gave an answer. “I will” Sweetie and Spike looked at her. “Not for anything as pointless as revenge or pay back, as those old desires are long dead to me, but I will do it as a major step in healing a world I played a role in hurting. I will do it as an effort in healing myself. I could not stop her as a villain, but I will give everything to stop her as a member of the team. Maybe I can forgive myself if I can do that, and finally let go of the haunting feelings of my troubled history”

******

The moment for the strike against Evergreed came, as the Changelings and Royal Guards were in place to try to hide the forces that were ready to march, and the defense keeping alert for Discord. Everypony did their best to make it all seem normal, while Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Trixie and Spike came together for the trip.

High above, on one of the balconies that looked over the Empire, Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor took in the sight of this bold step. The illusion of just another day in the Crystal Empire was perfect, or so they all hoped. They did all they could to cover their tracks as best as possible, so neither of the remaining Apex villains would make counter plans before the attack was made.

“Trixie is the least of my worries” Cadence said, to Shining’s unspoken unrest. “Sweetie Belle and Spike were close to Rarity, while on the other hoof, Trixie wanted to destroy her”

Making a disapproving grunt to the comment, Shining then returned. “It’s still questionable who’s side she will stay on once the eyes are off her. I feel almost like we’re sending Chrysalis or Sombra in there”

She did not look at him, she did not need to, though she made an amused sound. “Like sending Changelings into the clouds to face Rainbow Death?” He did not respond to that, choosing to stand in silence. “Have faith my love, I feel confident in Trixie, surely as much as you had in Morphosia when all pointed hooves at her and the Changelings”

The moment was at hoof, and the five were ready to make their move into Evergreed. Shining watched as Sweetie started her spell, and at the same moment a squadron of former Wonderbolts rocketed into the heights of the protective dome. They practiced some maneuvers as they were getting used to flying as Guards and not as performers. Some still had their smoke trails, and they crossed and flew around making trails around the sky, drawing a lot of attention from those on the ground. Shining and Cadence were not focused on them, but rather a now empty spot where five once were.

“I wonder, did we set all this up to distract Discord, or Nightmare Rarity?” Cadence posed.

“Perhaps both, but it likely doesn’t matter” Shining returned. “We’re entering into another phase of this war, and all the misdirection and flare can only do so much if someone was truly paying attention”

***

Sweetie Belle’s new spell was not entirely like the old one, as it was more like a slip from reality into nothing then back again. The group had traveled the vast distances of Equestria, and were now standing in the corrupted heart of Evergreed. They each faced a different direction, focused on their mission, and pushing aside any unease from the Blink Spell. As each took in the sights before them, they all concluded that despite clearly being the throne room of the Evergreed Castle, it was in ruins and abandoned. Not one of them truly believed this to be a whole truth.

“Did she move?” Scootaloo asked, sharing in the group confusion and sought some kind of answer.

They strained their eyes and minds harder, looking for any clues to why it felt like it was left worse than before Nightmare took over. Everything in sight was ravaged, destroyed, and even less life than any thought they would find. None moved, not sure of what sort of traps could be lurking underhoof, or behind an illusion that likely was all this.

“Maybe she doesn’t use this part?” Apple Bloom offered.

Trixie was not ready to jump to conclusions, and was not going to play guessing games. Seeking any sign of the creature, or Nightmare’s demonic hordes, Trixie was sure a clue was out there. She looked for anything to speak of the trickery that had to be in play here. “She would not leave this castle, nor let It be so run down when it is the throne room. She is here” She was sure against the evidence.

“Agreed” Sweetie spoke. “Nightmare Moon took this castle, even after the Canterlot castle was built. Rarity had come to seek the relics of another age. This is where both would want to rule” Sweetie Belle was done standing in place, and with a flash of her horn sent a pulse wave to detect any dangers; however nothing new showed. She moved out, using the extent of her training as a Unicorn and a Zebra to investigate. Taking her lead the rest fanned out from their positions to search the best they could, though not one letting their attention drift far from those that were beside them.

After some time scanning every part they could, they decided to move on. Every hall, room and anyplace within the old castle they looked was empty. Then finally came to the courtyard, finding the strangest sight yet. A white mare was on the ground, looking alive, yet weak. “Rarity?” Sweetie lost herself for a moment at the faint hope.

Trixie cut in front the hopeful pony stopping her from going too close, while Apple Bloom wrangled Spike much the same way. “Nothing is so simple, don’t let yourself be clouded by wishful thinking”

“Me and Applejack faced a few traps like this, so real ya get tricked by the illusion” Bloom spoke up, moving a bit closer as she took her sash from her Elemental Eye. “Let’s get a good look at this”

“Oh… Sweetie Belle… you came to save me?” The mare before them spoke, weak and with the voice the sibling once knew so well.

“Careful…” Bloom warned, as her special eye rolled almost freely as she tried to get a good reading on what they thought they all saw.

“Dear sister… It’s been so long…” The younger mare stopped a fair distance away from the figure speaking. The body jumped from where it lay, but no longer a solid form. Now a rotted corpse, festering and dripping in decay, with the death eating bugs nearly pouring from the many holes and pulsing wounds. “I’ve been dying to see you again!”

Sweetie moved back, not in fright, but to keep the distance she had established. “I told you before, I know your games!”

A head, barely keeping attached by scraps of flesh, snapping ligaments and muscle rocked to one side. “Oh? I’ve prepared so many new things for us to do, and gone to such lengths to create more fun for you dear sister” The voice twisted as she spoke the latter part. “You even brought so many guests and players” She looked at each in turn, eyes moving in an unnatural jittery motion. “I know each of them, and I know each of their fears” She was gone into smoke without warning, drifting to each one of them.

Apple Bloom was the first she appeared above in her true form, a black mare with reflections of purples and violets, and a flowing mane that hinted to the lost Rarity’s own style. “Eye see you got that looked at, and now we both share a vision for gems” Moving along to Trixie, changing to her shadowy self when she traveled. “Something seems less… Great about you. Not looking as powerful either. Maybe it is your mane?” There was a bitterness in that last part, and somehow Trixie recalled back to a moment in time. Not lingering on this, she was now at Scootaloo. “Ah Absentia, you know I keep searching but that Golden ticket eludes me. Maybe you can get me to see Rainbow Death’s wonderful Factory?” She saved Spike for last, and she appeared even more seductive than usual. Her curves and lengths are an illusion of a corrupted beauty. “Sweet Spikey Wikey, you’ve grown so much. So big, and strong. I bet you could show a mare a good time now”

Each had known not to feed into the games, however when Nightmare reached for Spike he snapped at her with angry jaws. “Don’t touch me fake!” He then gave a swipe, though she avoided this easily. “You’re not Rarity, not anymore”

Nightmare landed on the ground, showing Spike everything she had. “Of course I am, she is just under all this slimming and sexy darkness. I know you’re just the dragon who can reach deep inside of me, and find that tender mare I hide deep within” She moved and posed for him in ways that showed off her assets.

“None of us are going to fall for your illusions or lies” Sweetie Belle declared. “Those closest to Rarity won’t be tricked, so you have no chance to manipulate us any further”

Starting slow, then blasting out with a laughter aimed right at Sweetie’s words, Nightmare rolled her eyes around into the back of her sockets then back out again to look dead at her. “Puh-lease, now who is trying to play games? You and that little fuckboy dragon might be close to Rarity, but these three are about as far from her as any can who knew her. One Eye there’s own sister was Rarity’s friend, and they were barely that close. Maybe if you brought that straw-haired bumpkin sister of hers I might have believed you. Trix or Treat never liked Rarity, or what she became for that matter. Finally the gimp-winged, Rainbow Dash fangirl is a stretch by even Discord’s imagination” She trotted around them, making sure to show herself off to Spike at every chance she had. “You try to convince me that this ragtag group is Rarity’s closest friends or family, but I can see right through this, and I don’t need a special eye. You brought them as backup, because you’re afraid you can’t resist me. You’re the biggest weakness in this group, and we all know it” She paused a moment, locking eyes with the mare again, and spoke with words that dripped like acid “Dear sister”

Moving to stand in the center of the group, Nightmare Rarity spoke anew, not looking at anyone in particular as she declared. “You know? I bet you can’t tell if you’re awake or asleep”

“Impossible!” Bloom challenged. “We arrived well awake, and you can’t just put us under!”

Rolling her head like it was as weakly attached as in her undead form, Nightmare glanced over to address the mare while she danced her eyebrows with an unsettling grin. “Can’t I?” Her horn lit up and shot out a pulse of energy in all directions, and the gathering collapsed where they stood, going deep into a sleep. Turning to each until she saw Sweetie Belle, who managed to not be affected by the attack. Nightmare smirked at her. “Well, you are resilient, or did you succumb and now only dream that you didn’t fall?”

“I studied Nightmare Moon’s powers and magick, and read Princess Luna’s notes on the Nightmare being and know when I’m in your dream world or awake” She said with complete confidence. “You used a sleep spell, but unlike them, I was prepared for that and it won’t be long before they rise again”

“HA! You are more formidable than I gave you credit for, yet now as they are in a sleep state, they’re all the more ripe for my powers. This castle, and this forest is a place I hold a great power over after all the years ruling here, but the dreamscape is a place where I am all the more dangerous. Not even Discord or that Cuntess Trixie would have tried to challenge me there. So now you must make a choice, and come face me in their dreams, or let them each become my prey” She laughed again, as she faded away. “Do you think your skills are great enough to meet me alone, in my realm? Are you a dream warrior or a nightmare’s meal?”

Taking a few moments to think of how to go forward Sweetie was well aware that the realm of dreams was dangerous, but she had also trained for this battle. “I knew it would come to this” She thought. “Luckily I also trained them all in lucidity, so I doubt Nightmare will be ready for that” She took a deep breath, and followed the battle to the new field.

***

Empress Morphosia was standing silent in the middle of her simple throne room within the Crystal Castle, then she raised her head in a sudden movement. She had been waiting, waiting for the agreed time to act, and that moment was soon.

Outside, all around the nearest edge to Evergreed, Changelings shifted forms to small creatures of all kinds. The barrier was lifted ever so slightly, and the throngs of disguised creatures rushed through. They flooded into the outer parts of the Empire’s reach and beyond, a tiny, fierce tsunami that was racing toward the dreaded forest. They would keep small and elusive until the moment they reached the edges of the forest, where they would spread across the borders to make it sufficiently surrounded. Once their numbers were spread to an equal distance, the Changelings shifted back to their true forms and would move into the trees in unison.

“Thank Cosmatia that they are on our side now” Shining remarked, he watched as far as he could while the army disappeared beyond their rule. There was pride, but also some shame that it was not his own ponies going now. He knew better, however it did not lessen that he had to count on so many others to protect his home. “They move far more efficiently than we ever could”

“Well she does have the advantage of being able to link their minds, that alone places the Changelings on a level no pony could match” Cadence remarked, hoping to ease some of her beloved’s worries in what they lacked. “Well, we could, but then our subjects would likely just be brainwashed and mindless, and we certainly do not wish that”

“Yet they remain independent and free outside the moments like this, but when they are soldiers they are a machine unlike any other” He briefly looked to her, then turned back to see what was already long beyond his sight. “I don’t even think Queen Chrysalis could work so efficiently”

“Likely because Morphosia does not command them to obey, they do not resist when she makes this call” Cadence studied his emotions, and was amused by them. “I still find it hard to believe, my husband, one who spoke so loudly against the Changelings, now stands in such admiration and even jealousy”

Looking back at her again, he tried to read her only that she was much better at keeping a straight face. He knew she was teasing him, yet she looked like she was serious. “I can respect and admire an efficient militaristic might, and in the many years I’ve been in charge of royal guards and ponies the like, I have never seen such an organization or would wish to face against a power of such unity” No longer taken by the memories of those off to fight a battle he could not, Shining turned to return inside the castle. “This chapter in Equestrian history has made quite a few unexpected turns, finding friends and foes with new definitions. Making us take a new look at what we once knew…”

Cadence followed soon behind him, and turned her head from him as she spoke bitter truth. “I don’t know what is truly worse, between the shock of enemies to allies, or the loss of friends to foes” Her mind was a bit heavy to think of things in the past. “There still remains that faint possibility things could change again, and this time out of our favor. We cannot allow ourselves to completely drop our guards, not until we can secure our future against a betrayal”

Shining did not like the underlined implications, not after all that has happened. “How can you think that she could turn on us, after all that she and her broodkin have done for us? Even some of the most spiteful of their ranks have come to value and treasure what they have here, and I cannot believe they would risk losing the bonds they’ve formed. You of all ponies, who can read hearts and intentions, would think that their was some hidden plot against us?”

“I don’t want to think like this!” Cadence cried. “After all the troubles we’ve dealt with, all the fighting and changes that came, there remains a piece of myself that warns me to ‘remembering how Shining was tricked by Chrysalis, and how nearly everything was lost because it is the very nature of the Changelings to deceive and take forms to break down our guards’ even if in my heart, and in most of my mind, I don’t believe she could do that to us… I don’t think she would do that to you” She shook her head. “You and Morphosia have a love that isn’t some illusion, and though I’m still on the outside, I feel a love for her too. I just can’t shake the lessons of the past, and the voice gets louder the closer we get to finally ending this war”

“You were there at the trail, you saw how that Changeling acted toward the little filly. You’ve seen the good they’ve done, risking themselves time and again for us all, and even as we speak” Shining countered. “Yes, I suppose we can’t be too careful, not now, but don’t be too ready to listen to that voice when too much evidence is in their favor”

She gave a sigh, as she moved around the room. “I hate the thoughts, thinking that things like Switch-A-Roo’s trail was only an opening act to lure us in, that her actions to stop Countess only helped cement their alibi… that every effort to help us is one to just pick off their own rivals. There is a part of me that thinks Chrysalis is still alive, there is a part that thinks my fath- Sombra is still alive… I cannot always fight the terrible thoughts”

Going to her, he did his best to soothe her. “We can’t start picking apart our allies. Who’s to say that the Stormbreakers, the ones we’ve put so much faith and trust in before all others, are not the ones using us?” Cadence froze a moment, not liking the idea of that. “They came from nowhere, when we needed them the most, and have systematically taken down, or helped in taking out the Apex of Villainy while their own power and numbers grow. They have Elements of Harmony, but they’re not the same ones from before, or even what the Princesses had before” He laughed at the obscurity. “lay that out, and it sounds as suspicious as Changelings becoming our friends”

“So you don’t trust the Crusaders?” She read him, and could tell this was not a spur of the moment thought. “You’ve thought about this for some time. So now you and I stand apart, because I harbor doubts in your Changeling friends, and you in the ponies who hold the Elements”

Shining stepped away, but did not answer right away. “Yes, I’ve had this thought many times. It could easily be a trick of Discord, or maybe some new villains that have been growing just outside of anyone’s notice. Sisters of the last Elements of Harmony, two who disappeared near the start of the Shatter Storm, and one who willingly followed with the Third Flock. Two foals on the edge of what is left of Equestria, show up with Spike after so many years. It all lines up to a pretty possible plot to not only destroy the Apex of Villainy, but leave us vulnerable to be taken down”

“You’ve made too many campaigns in those Dragons and Caves games of yours” Cadence said with a tone of annoyance and anger. “You trust my abilities to read the Changelings, yet it is questionable against the very champions we’ve both embraced and endorsed? Perhaps if they had seduced you you might have more faith”

Snorting in a matching rage, Shining did not like that she was so dismissive. “So it is easier to cast aside all the efforts of people who we’ve worked side by side with, than think for a moment that ‘ponies’ who come and go, and return with new members and powers could be a possible threat? Maybe you can read hearts, but don’t focus enough on the mind!”

Being silent for a time, Cadence was dumbfounded that he would choose Changelings over ponies. “It seems we’ve made a stance, you and I. You’ve bought fully into the Changelings, while I believe completely in the Crusaders”

“That seems clear. I can only hope we’re both wrong, as I’m tired of fighting every day just to live. I don’t believe they will betray us, and I hope that the Crusaders won’t either, but regardless the chance remains and only time will tell” He turned from her. “I’ll try not to be shocked if I’m right” He slammed the door to the room, and Cadence was left with her fury and pain. Somehow a wedge was forming between them, and it was those who they had come to trust and bet on for so much. Now she was alone, and in grief over the reality that they could not truly trust anyone. For if one was playing them, it meant her abilities did fail to see it.

Outside, the winds started to pick up. A soft, distant and ghostly howl was lingering in the air. Through the Empire, it was starting to feel colder, and those within the realm were taking notice of it.

Record 13: Divisions

End

Author's Note

The first steps into darkness, and an assault upon Nightmares begins. Clouds rolls in, and more dangers may yet lurk out in the world. Forgotten things.