The F.a.S.T (Fantasy and Speculation Tournament)

MS/SM

Round 2 Bracket 2-D

MS/SM

Near the start of the previous match.

“That was….incredible! The magic! The power! MY power!”

Midnight Sparkle revels over having used so much of her magic, her mind in bliss thinking about the future and the chances she’ll have to not only use her power again, but collecting even more. She eyes The Storm King and the Staff that held a large amount of magic, fuming when Sombra stopped her from taking it. Her eyes shift to the dark stallion, her crazed but analytical mind at work, gauging him along with the other creatures around her. Ever since the tournament started she as had plenty of chances to study the many creatures and their unique powers. But when Celestia in her Daybreaker form forced everyone to fight back with what magic they had, Midnight was able to get a much clearer picture.

Her eyes eventually land on Daydream Shimmer speaking with Pharynx and Tempest as Celestia walks past them. She narrows her crazed eyes on her brighter rival, trying to contemplate how she was able to over come Discord’s ‘no magic’ space and while she couldn’t. Something even Sombra could do to a lesser degree. “Why? Why am I so powerful , yet I can’t do something as easy bypass a simple spell? Even the increase I got from that Sphinx’s power doesn’t help! So, why?” Bringing up the Sphinx also brought with it her insults, making her considers, even for a second that it was her madness that held her back.

“Perhaps your ‘teacher’ can provide some insight.”

Midnight looks around frantically, her eyes wide and searching for the source of that familiar voice. This drew the attention of Sombra and Stygian. “What is troubling you, Midnight?” The dark stallion asks.

“I-I’m fine.” She replies turning her back to them, earning her a skeptical look from Sombra and concern from Stygian before they return their attention to the Changeling match about to begin.

“Why do you retreat from your ‘allies’? Did that rude king not promise to teach you more about magic?” Midnight gave a low growl in response to the voice of The Sphinx .

“Where are you? I thought you were sent away!”

The Sphinx giggles. “Must you ask such a question? For one as devoted to the mind as you are, you must have an idea or two. Even if you are a dog lover.”

“….the power you gave me. A piece of your consciousness came with it.” Midnight clutches her fist in frustration. “You mean I’m stuck with your irritating voice in my head now?”

“An interesting theory. But…”. Suddenly an image of The Sphinx appears within Midnight’s mind, that same grin on her face she had throughout their match. “…who’s to say I’m not a figment of your madness?” Midnight gasps, losing her anger as the image of The Sphinx floats around, conjuring screens with points of her life within them. “Your world. Your life. Your kind. They are all very intriguing. Going about their lives with barely a hint of magic. Aside from what manages to cross over from Equestria, your world is rather dull.” The Sphinx looks to Midnight’s conscious attention. “No wonder your mind shattered upon receiving so much.”

“Shut up!” Midnight screams, grabbing her head as her crazed eyes shake violently.

That outcry drew the attention of everyone in the space, all them eyes her with expressions ranging from annoyance and indifference to confusion and concern. “What’s her problem? No one’s said anything.” The Storm King said while lazily leaning on the Staff.

“She’s not…talking to voices in her head, is she?” Lightning asks, weary of Sombra and his ability to bypass the ‘no magic’ space.

“It is a possibility.” Stygian replies, eyeing the human girl with concern. “Her species is a mystery to me. On top of that, the effects of the corrupt magic she possesses, who knows how her mind is dealing with it all.”

“Add in The Sphinx’s unknown magic, and she could become so unstable, she’ll lash out at anyone.” Sunset concludes. She looks to her counterpart who was looking between the ongoing match and the still distraught Celestia. “Using all that power against Daybreaker might’ve shown her just how overwhelming powerful magic like the Elements can be.”

Sombra spares a look to his slowly questionable ally, the Sphinx’s insult still fresh in his mind. He returns it to the match with a humph. “She is not as weak as that.”

Sunset, Lightning and Stygian look at the dark stallion. “Really? Lightning replies.

“How are you so sure?” Sunset presses.

“Her counterpart.” The three ponies turn to look at Princess Twilight laying beside Celestia. “I have battled her on two occasions. At both times, she has bested me.”

“Wait, you’re admitting you lost?” Lightning asks with surprise, drawing even Tirek’s attention.

“I am not so foolish as to disregard other’s achievements.” He gives both mares an arrogant look. “Even less so from those who have managed to best me.” The two mares respond with rolled eyes and clicked tongues as he continues. “At the start of this tournament, Discord asked ‘who would win’ and, without hesitation, that entire space declared it would be Twilight Sparkle.” He gestures his head towards the other space. “And after my latest defeat, I’m incline to believe she has that potential to do so.”

As Sombra explains this Tirek subtly grips his fingers over his arms tightly, recalling their various encounters and how she and her friends managed to win every time. Sombra looks at the match as Chrysalis and Pharynx change into their mualwulf and bugbear forms as he continues. “They maybe from two different worlds, but I’ve learned it is unwise to underestimate Twilight Sparkle.”

As the battle between the two Changelings rages on, Steven Magnet couldn’t keep himself from taking glances at his opponent having a mental breakdown in the other space. He had no intention of participating in the tournament, being surprised to have made it to the second round, even if it was because Bon Bon had forfeited first. Thinking about the kind earth pony reminds him of meeting the two sirens and getting to know Aria before she too left. While not so keen on doing any actual fighting, he was thankful to have met his long lost family and make a few new friends.

“Steven, how are you fairing?” The serpent looks down to see Rockhoof and Mage standing beside him with concern, having also noticed Midnight’s demeanour.

“Oh, I’m just fine, Rockhoof. Just anxious for my chance to finally leave is all. No need to worry.”

Before either of them could respond, Pharynx was sent into the wooden building covered with poison joke and plunder vines. “Oh no!” Steven turns to see Spike and Autumn grow even more worried, so he moves to comfort them.

“Don’t you two worry! That fabulous fiend of yours isn’t done yet!” They look at Steven, his smile reassuring them as Pharynx tears out of the vines to continue the match.

Midnight notices the sounds of fighting had lessened, prompting her to look at the match, seeing Pharynx fighting back, even though he was virtually powerless. Seeing that sparks something within her that felt familiar. “Are you starting to remember?” The Sphinx asks.

“Remember what?”

“Being without magic. And all that you accomplished.” Midnight’s eyes widen as memories of her life at Crystal Prep flash through her mind, the long nights working on projects with Spike close by, her brother supporting her along with Dean Cadence. “Relinquish this warped magic, child. Before you are lost to it forever.”

“W-why would I do that? Why do you care!?” Midnight narrows her eyes as her desire for power returns, burning away the memories from her mind. “If I can accomplish so much without magic, just imagine what I can do with it!” She stands straight up a crazed grin on her face as Chrysalis stands over Pharynx. “It doesn’t matter is you’re a voice in my head or a figment, this magic is mine!” Without realizing it, Midnight starts to use the combined magic of the Elements and The Sphinx in tandem, causing the ‘no magic’ spell to waver, drawing Discord’s notice. But before he could respond, Pharynx transforms into a featherless bird.

After a moment to process, Chrysalis, The Storm King and Midnight burst out laughing, causing her to stop using her magic and Discord to refocus on the match letting that small display slide. The Sphinx however, was amazed Midnight had managed to achieve such a merger at all. “Quite the prodigy you are.” Her grin gets just a little bit wider. “To what end will you take this magic, I wonder?”

Sombra looks towards Midnight along with Stygian as Chrysalis returns to the space, furious. They see her snickering at the ‘victorious’ Queen along with The Storm King and Lightning Dust. “You have calmed down I see. As expected.” He says getting Midnight’s attention.

“Yeah! I just had to sort some things out. That’s all.”

“Such as?” Stygian asks.

“That Sphinx tricked me when she gave me her magic. Now she’s talking to me inside my head.”

“Truly?” Sombra asks with skepticism. “And you’re certain it’s not your mind playing tricks?”

“Doesn’t matter, either way! She won’t talk me out of getting as much magic as I can have!”

“Glad to hear it.” Midnight narrows her eyes as Sombra and Stygian blink in confusion. Suddenly, a reddish-brown mist drifts out of Midnight’s ear drawing everyone in the space’s attention except Chrysalis. The mist quickly takes the on the appearance of the Sphinx’s head, as she grins down on the three of them. “Playing with you now is far more fun.”

“You!” Sombra shouts, getting to his hooves with a cowl on his muzzle. “I will not tolerate you sabotaging out plans!”

“‘Our’? Interesting choice of words, Mad King.” She mocks. Just as Sombra is about to use his own magic Discord snaps his bird talons sending Pharynx back to his time, thereby casing the next match’s opponents to appear in the platform above the formless mass.

Steven watches as Pharynx says his goodbyes, a smile on his long maw that slowly turns into a worrying frown. “Hang in there, Steven.” He looks to see Ember hover beside him, having said her goodbyes to the Changeling. “Once the match starts, just forfeit and you’ll be back home. Safe and sound.”

“You’re right, Dragon Lord Ember.”

“You can drop the title. My friends call me Ember.” He beams with joy before grabbing her for a hug.

“OH, EMBER! Thank you! I’ll be sure to visit you as soon as Aria and Sonata return with that lovely friend of their’s!”

“Looking…forward…to it….Steven!” Ember replies. He lets her go just before Discord send Pharynx back, causing him to be teleported to the platform. He takes a deep breath before turning to see Midnight looking at him with a hunger that matches a dragon when they found a treasure trove.

He blinks in confusion upon seeing the head of The Sphinx floating out from her ear. “Uh…what’s going on with your ear?”

“An annoying free loader. Don’t worry about it.” As soon as Midnight appeared on the platform, Discord finally spots The Sphinx, making him start to panic a bit when she looks at her seductively. Sweating profusely, he makes the mistake of looking towards the spaces, seeing the death leers of Twilight, Cadence and Spike directed at him.

“I hope I wasn’t missed too much.” The Sphinx says aloud before addressing Steven. “And don’t you worry, little sea dragon. I won’t be assisting this child in the slightest.”

“‘Little’ sea dragon?” Gallus repeats in a confused manner. Meanwhile, the gelatinous mass shifts into a large island with a lighthouse in the centre of it that shoots out beams of light that could burn anything in their path while a raging typhoon ravages the coasts, causing water spouts and lightning clouds to form.

Once the field was ready, Midnight Sparkle and Steven Magnet suddenly appear right beside the lighthouse. The sea serpent looks at the human version of Princess Twilight and begins to feel bad for the two of them. This creature before him was vastly different from the Princess, but he had to wonder what she was like before. Discord appears between them, focusing very hard on starting the match and not the flirtatious Sphinx right next to him. “W-with a surprise guest appearance from The Sphinx, the next match is sure to be an…interesting one.” The Sphinx winks at Discord making both him and Midnight flinch; one in disgust, the other in fear. “A-are the two of you ready?”

“Of course I am!” Midnight shouts, her hands crackling with magic. She glances towards the spaces, locking eyes with Daydream’s sad eyes. “Watch closely, Sunset!” The two Sunset Shimmer’s flinch back. “I’m about to teach you how to use magic!” She says then looks back at Steven.

“W-where is this coming from?” Daydream asks as Twilight and Tempest press themselves closer to her.

Steven looks at the saddened Daydream for a moment before meeting the crazed but determined eyes of Midnight Sparkle. Taking a deep breath, he nods to Discord who raises his bird claw up. “Then let the last match of the second bracket…begin!” He chops down before teleporting away just as Midnight leaches herself at Steven.

“WAIT!” He shouts, waving his claws out in front of him. Thrown off by his shouting, Midnight suddenly stops in front of him before glaring.

“What do you mean ‘wait’? You said you were ready!”

“I don’t want to fight. I never did. I was hoping we could talk and be friends instead.” The two spaces go silent as Midnight gives him a look of disbelief.

The Sphinx gives him a sympathetic smile. “An admirable attempt, little sea dragon.”

“Are you serious?” Midnight says through clutch teeth, her anger building. “If that’s the case, WHY HAVEN’T YOU FORFEITED YET, INSTEAD OF MAKING THIS WEAK OFFER OF FRIENDSHIP!?”

The intensity of her shouting was scaring Steven so much he couldn’t reply.

“Take his offer, Twilight!” Daydream shouts, drawing their attention. “Please! This isn’t you!”

“How would you know?! Because you’re ‘friends’ with that pony version?” Midnight shouts back, glaring at the other human. “I’ve never needed friends to achieve my goals! To pass my tests! To be the smartest student at my school!” Twilight, Cadence, Shining, Spike, and Celestia all watch with hurt eyes to see Twilight’s human counterpart reject friendship. To glimpse a version of her that could’ve been had she not moved to Ponyville. “I don’t need friends to master this magic! My allies—!” Stygian gives her a kind smile as Sombra flashes the other space a toothy grin. “-are the only ones I need!” She turns on Steven, startling him. “I won’t stop until I have ALL the magic I can get! EVEN YOURS!” She shouts while rushing at Steven.

“I FORFEIT!” He shouts, throwing his arms up to shield himself. Before Midnight could reach him, Discord snaps his fingers and teleports them out of the field and back to their spaces, the ‘no magic’ spell barely able to negate her magic.

“Steven Magnet has forfeit the match. Midnight Sparkle wins!” Discord declares as the field returns to its mass form. Midnight, from her space eyes Daydream as a but of her newly formed friends tend to the terrified Steven. The two of them stare each other down as a tear falls down Daydream’s eye.

She closes them while clutching her fists so tightly they turn white, drawing the attention of Tempest’s concern eyes. “Okay…”. Midnight twitches as The Sphinx eyes the other girl. “You’ve made your point crystal clear, Twilight.” Her eyes fly open, revealing a fierce look that shook not only Midnight, but Sombra as well. “Crystal clear that words won’t persuade you.” Lightning Dust blinks as she looks at Sunset, recalling her giving a similar look to Chrysalis after Nightmare Moon was sent back. “Then…I’ll do it…YOUR WAY!”

Suddenly, she flairs out her magical wings, displaying the Elements great power as well as intimidating Midnight. “Be it here, in this tournament, back in the human world, or in an entirely different dimension…I WILL save you from yourself!” She holds her stances long enough for Midnight to take a step back, Sombra to glare back at her, The Sphinx to marvel at her power, and Stygian to question his belief regarding the Shadows. Then, she calms down, drawing the Elements power back into herself. She gives Midnight one last fierce glare before turning around to make her way to the opposite side of the space.

Discord, both stunned and conflicted over her blazingly ignoring his final warning, lets it slide. More so to see those two meet in the finals rather then let them settle their differences somewhere else. “Well, after that oddly short and very charged match, the second bracket of Round 2 has ended!” The display board reflects this by displaying Chrysalis the winner of her match and Midnight Sparkle the winner of hers. “Now, the matches taking place in round 3 are Sunset Shimmer vs Princess Celestia and Queen Chrysalis vs Midnight Sparkle!” All four contestants don’t respond in anyway, save for the similar stun expressions they all share aimed toward Daydream Shimmer.

“Holy Sweet Celestia, that was intense!” Lightning said, watching Daydream walk away as Sombra shouts at Discord regarding his warning earlier. She looks at Sunset with a nervous grin. “Remind me never to get on your bad side, kay?” She looks at her friend to see she was far to focused on her counterpart, recognizing the internal struggle in her eyes. She knew Sunset wasn’t going to respond anytime soon. “Sunset…”

“That’s nothing, you bright weirdo!” Lightning whips her head towards The Storm King, who was waving his Staff around like an idiot. “I got the powers of the sun and moon! Just you wait until I get you in the ring…!”

“Geez. I thought Midnight was insane, but this guy takes the cake!”

“Indeed.” Lightning looks to her side to see Tirek, seemingly unfazed by what just happened moments ago and was glaring right at The Storm King. She looks at him nervously until he meets her eyes, making her flinch slightly. “Tell me. Were you there during his invasion of Equestira?”

Lightning blinks. “Not exactly. I was performing overseas when it happened. But I did get the details when I got back. Why are you asking?”

He returns his glare back at The Storm King. “I’d like to know more about this…conqueror.”