Trixie sighed as she entered her home. Today was not a good day. Not only did she had to deal with inappropriate customers. Witch is the norm, but her boss is as well. Who unfortunately had a very bad migraine. Opening her pouch the blue mare looks inside. Only to sigh in disappointment at what she found. Before she could dwell on it further a voice spoke up.

"Honey is that you?"

Smiling Trixie quickly trotted towards the kitchen. Inside she found a white pegasus. A Pegues who had a toy box for a cutie mark. Said mare was busy working the stove, and from what Trixie could tell it wasn't gonna be anything good. At least in terms of taste. "Hey White" the unicorn greeted. A loving smile forming on her lips. White turned her head upon hearing her name. Spotting Trixie the pegasus squealed and flew over. Wrapping Trixie in a hug White plants several kisses on the unicorn's face. Trixie meanwhile took it without complaint. Doing so would risk ruining the mood.

"How was work?" White asked. The mare has gone back to her spot near the stove. Trixie sighed. Not wanting to talk about it in the slightest. Doing so would risk stressing out both of them. Especially White. Who had the rabbit of acting irrationally under extreme stress? Trixie experienced such a thing on their first date. The pegasus was all over the place. Talking about several different things at a speed the unicorn had trouble keeping up with. Thinking back on it caused Trixie to smile. Said smile turned into a frown as White repeated her question.

"It was okay" the unicorn answered simply. She hoped that in doing so she'll be able to cut that conversation short. Unfortunately White was seemingly obviously to Trixie's unwillingness to talk about the subject.

"Did anything interesting happen?"

The pony shrugged. "I guess you can say that." Immediately Trixie's mind flashes back towards a certain sweaty donkey. A donkey who for some reason couldn't keep his eyes away from her hooves. Not that Trixie honestly cared about that sort of thing. Business is business. She only wished that said business was a little more forthcoming with its bits. Especially after the canterlot invasion. Ever since then Celestia has doubled security near the border. Because of this taxes needed to raise for such a thing to be possible. Unfortunately, they had a habit of putting families out of their homes. Especially the ones living in low-income areas.

"Anything interesting happened to you?

White paused. An action that Trixie immediately took note of. "What's wrong?"

White sighed. Making sure to turn off the stove so the food wouldn't burn.

"The land pony came by today."

Trixie froze.

"He said that we have until next week to pay the rent." "That or risked another night sleeping in the streets." The unicorn shook her head. "That's not gonna happen.' White looked to the floor. A sad smile on her face. That's "What you said last time" she muttered quietly. That alone caused Trixie to flinch. Memories of the mare's earlier life flashed before her eyes. Shaking her head Trixie tried her best to sound confident. "That was then and this now." Trixie slammed her hoof. "I'm a changed pony you know that." White looked over at her. An unsure expression on her face. Seeing that look Trixie couldn't help but gulp. "What's wrong?"

White sighed. Looking up at her mare friend the pegasus asked the question that's been on her mind for a while.

"Are you cheating on me?"

Trixie flinched back as if struck.

"What?!" NO! Of course not"

Instead of responding White pulled out a note she had hidden under her wing. Handling it to Trixie. The mare took it in her telekinetic grasped. Looking at the cover Trixie's eyes went wide with shock. On the front of a paper was a name Trixie instantly recognized. It wasn't a name at all. It was more of a code. A code that Trixie and a select few knew the meaning of.

Dawn Star.

Opening its contents Trixie was greeted with only a set location and nothing more. Said location was outside of Hoofingtion. With that said the pony knew the area well enough. With that in mind, Trixie couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement course through her. Looking back at White Trixie lunged forward pulling the mare into a tough yet passionate kiss.

Upon noticing the pegasus"s confused gaze afterwords Trixie grinned. "I just got hired for a high-paid job!"

White gasped.

Her confusion and worry were replaced with excitement. "Really!"

Trixie nodded. After, words she pulls White into another passionate kiss. "It's a job I told you a while back." White blinked. Her expression turning once more into worry. "You mean the same job you refused to go into details about? Trixie nodded. In response, White nuzzled her mare friend gently. "Just be careful for me all right?" The unicorn nods. "Always."

"Good" White grinned. "Now I think this is caused for a little celebration don't you think?"

Trixie couldn't help but smirk.

÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷===÷

The cold night air sent chills down the unicorn's spine despite the use of her cloak. Regardless Trixie pressed onward. Fueled by the knowledge that this could be her lucky break. Especially considering the pony hiring her. The last last last time they required her assistance the job ended in a blood bath. Though the bits she was given afterward lasted her an entire year. With that in mind, Trixie was determined to see it through.

It didn't take long for the mare to arrive at the location. However, said the location was practically in the middle of nowhere. What made it even more worrisome was that it was currently pitch black. Of course, it wasn't anything Trixie wasn't use to, but still, the mare was definitely on edge. Taking a deep breath the mare's horn began to light up. It flickered several times in an unknown pattern. Once said the pattern was complete Trixie waited.

Seconds passed.

Than minutes.

Until eventually Trixie saw a flash of purple light in the corner of her peripheral. Turning her head Trixie saw one thing and one thing only.

Scales.

Purple scales to be exact.

Backing up slightly Trixie just barely managed to make out the dragonic features that belonged to none other than Spike the dragon.

"Hey Trixie" he smiled. Showing several sets of razor-sharp fangs. It also didn't help that his voice was insanely deep. Despite being only a teenager. At least in dragon years.

Ponies years on the other hoof.

"Hey, spikey" Trixie smirked. "Huh compared to the last time I saw you I think you got shorter."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Says the stripper."

"Says the overgrown reptile who still needs a toy doll."

"Says the lesbian who stayed in the friendzone for over 12 years."

Trixie opens her mouth.

Then closed it.

It was around this time that Trixie felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around the mare comes face to face with a familiar grey pegasus.

"Here!" Derpy states giving Trixie a pink balloon. Said balloon was shaped like the little letter L.

"What am I suppose to do with this?" Trixie asked with a raised eyebrow.

The pegasus grinned. "Hold it!"

Before Trixie can ask anything further she felt a chill go up to her spine. A sensation Trixie was all too familiar with. Turning around the unicorn comes face to face with her employer.

Twilight Sparkle.

"Did you come alone?"

Trixie nodded. She already knew that when Twilight Sparkle asked a question you do the smart thing.

Your answer.

The mare merely stared at her in response.
Her soulless eyes starring into Trixie's. After what felt like minutes to the blue unicorn she spoke.

"That is incorrect."

Immediately Trixie felt her throat tighten. Her mind instantly going into the worst-case scenario. All while the others merely stood and watched. Spike had a somewhat confused expression on his face. He didn't suspect Trixie to betray them so soon. If at all. Derpy on the other hoof merely hummed. Seemingly starring off into the distance. At least that's what it seemed like. Honestly, your guess is as good as mine.

"I did I swear!" Trixie shouted. Mere seconds away from full-fledged panic. Twilight merely raised a hoof. Silencing the younger unicorn. Trixie watched as Twilight started into the distance.

Until she suddenly lunged forward.

Trixie could do nothing but scream as Twilight violently shoved her back.

Only for an arrow to pierce the unicorn's skull.

Everything that happened next could only be described in one word.

Chaos.

Haven't an arrow pierce through your skull is not a pleasant experience. Furthermore, it could also very likely lead to your death.

That is if you weren't the infamous Twilight Sparkle.

As such it is categorized as a minor annoyance.

Yanking the arrow out of her skull Twilight blinked rapidly. Her mind is already in the stages of fully preparing itself. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean Twilight isn't currently vulnerable to attack. Because of this Twilight wasn't surprised in the slightest when an arrow pierced her chest.

Or would be if she was capable of such a thing.

The pony responsible had a victorious look upon his face. That didn't last long as Twilight horn pierced straight through his eye and into his skull. Effectively killing him near instantly. Yanking the blade out of her chest Twilight began to analyze the battle around her.

By her estimate, there are about nine ponies in guard uniform attacking them. Five of those ponies were preoccupied trying to take down her brother. Twilight concluded that it was a losing battle.

For them at least.

Spike's massive size, experience, and immunity to low-level magic were doing wonders for him in this battle. With this in mind, the mare glanced around for her other companion. Fortunately for him,r she needed to look in only one direction.

Up.

In the sky, Derpy hooves had no equal. At least in terms of agility. Said mare currently had her hooves dealing with two pegasi. Twins as far as Twilight can tell. One of the mares had a shooting star for a cutie mark. Regardless Twilight knew that Derpy did not need her assistance. At least not yet.

With that in mind that leaves only one pony in particular.

Trixie.

Said unicorn was currently in a spell battle with another unicorn. Both ponies were giving it everything they had. However, from the look on Trixie's face, it was safe to assume she had this in the bag.

Twilight blinked.

There were supposed to be nine ponies.

Her question was answered when a wall of flame collided with her skin. The sensation is something Twilight will never experience. Regardless the mare turned towards her new opponent. It was of course a unicorn. However, the said unicorn was large and red. Twilight hasn't seen a stallion of his size in quite a while. Regardless the two began to face off. With the Stallion's teeth gritted in anger.

"You know you can't stop me."

"Eyup."

"I presume that means your gonna try regardless."

"Eyup."

"Understood."

With that, the battle commenced.

The stallion threw another spell. This one being lighting instead of fire. A wall of purple magic surrounded Twilight. Shielding her from the attack. The stallion growled before disappearing in a flash of light. Twilight then chooses to drop her magical shield. Only to sidestep as a red hoof aimed itself at her backside. The purple unicorn tuns. Only to summon another shield. Just in time as his hoof was near inches from her face.

"Are you done?"

In response, the ground beneath Twilight exploded.

Said explosion sends the mare several feet off the ground. Only to fall back down as gravity retook control. Said decent was suddenly halted as magic envelops one of Twilight"s legs.

The red stallion grins before slamming Twilight into the cold hard ground.

Repeatedly.

With each blow, bones can be heard snapping out of place. Respite this Twilight never screamed. This alone disturbed the red stallion more than anything else. Slamming Twilight into the ground for the 19th time he stopped. Sweat having poured down his face in heavy amounts. Going over to the newly formed crater he pokes his head in.

Only for a large rock to hit him directly in the eye.

Roaring in pain the stallion took several steps back. As he did so Twilight slowly crawled out of the crater. Looking as if she went through twelve rounds with Mike Tyson himself.

Several of her bones were either misplaced or completely shattered. Her skin was either torn or completely missing in several places. Half of her face was beyond recognizable. If that wasn't enough a single eye hanging out of one of her eye sockets. To put it simply she looked as if she crawled out of Tartarus itself.

The red stallion glared at her. His left eye is now completely swollen shut.

"Give up."

In response Twilight"s body began to do what it did best.

It began to heal.

First, it was her bones. The stallion couldn't but cringe at the noise as several of them simply snapped back into place. Then it was her skin. Said skin began to regenerate rapidly. So much so that the stallion simply couldn't keep up. Once that was done all that was left was the eye currently hanging out of its socket. Reaching out a hoof Twilight simply tore out said appendage. Right before casually tossing it over her shoulder. The action alone made the stallion want to gag.

"Do you wish to continue?"

In response, the pony hurled another fire spell her way. Instead of summoning a shield Twilight merely created a portal. Said portal was directly behind the stallion.

Rolling out the way the red behemoth panted in exertion. It didn't take a genius to know that he was running out of stamina,

And fast.

Twilight however was the exact opposite. The way she stood told him that she wasn't tired in the slightest. As if reading his mind the mare spoke.

"I don't get tired."

With that Twilight began to walk.

The stallion growled as she came towards him. Once she was at a close enough distance he lunged. Only for his hoof to hit nothing but air.

Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder.

He turned.

Only to get a hoof in the face.

Or should have at least.

As soon as Twilight"s hoof made contact the stallion simply disappeared in a red mist. Upon realizing her opponent was merely a duplicate Twilight began to look around. However, despite her efforts, the stallion could not be found.

Then the Earth beneath her story to shake.

In response, Twilight looked down.

Big mistake.

As if on cue the stallion himself burst out of the ground. His hoof making contact with Twilight"s face. Causing her entire head to snap back due to the force. As such the mare was quite literally sent flying.

Shaking himself off the stallion glared at her prone form. Only to suddenly collapse due to magical exertion. "I can't give up" the stallion muttered quietly to himself. At that moment his mind flashes back to the promise he made to his little sister.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Big Macintosh stood on the doorsteps of his family home. In front of him were various members of his family. His two sisters as well as his parents and Granny Smith. Each one of them had sober expressions on their faces. "Do you have to go?" Upon hearing the question he nodded. His mother couldn't help but sigh in disappointment. That alone stung Big Mac's heart. However, he knew that his ma was proud of what he had become. "You better not forget what I taught you, you hear?" Granny Smith said sternly. Once again Big Mac nodded. Making sure to show a little more force so that Granny knows that he's not just doing it out of necessity. Upon seeing this Granny nodded. With that out of the way, his father stepped forward.

"Son I just want you to know I couldn't be prouder." Leaning forward he pulls Macintosh into an embrace. Big Mac of course returned the gesture. Joy filling his entire soul. While Mac knew his father was always proud of him, it was simply better to hear it from the stallion himself. The two Stallions of the household separated. Up next was AJ. Aj herself was not one for many words. In fact, unlike the rest of her family, AJ was born mute. However, that alone didn't mean she couldn't get her point across.

Upon seeing her gesture to bend down Big Mac did so. This caused Aj to press her forehead against his. Even though she couldn't speak Big Mac knew what she was trying to say.

Stay safe.

Nodding the stallion kissed her on the cheek.

"Eyup."

Aj couldn't help but giggle.

Finally, there was Apple Bloom. This mare was the kindest person Big Mac knew. It's no wonder the princesses themselves choose her to be the element of kindness.

Stepping forward Apple Bloom embraced him in a hug munch as their Father did. Mac for his part one more returned the embrace. "Promise me you'll come home" the mare whispered. Her voice taking on a pleading tone. Hearing this the older sibling closed his eyes. This was all but a moment before he planted a kiss on her cheek. In a way, the munch is similar to Apple Jack.

"Promise."

÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷

"It's over."

Looking up Big Mac saw Twilight standing over him. Her soulless practically staring into his soul. Trying and failing to get up Big Mac sighed.

"Eeyup."

"I assume you have a few last words?"

Big Mac nodded.

"If you get the chance tell a pony named Apple Bloom that I'm sorry." As if in thought Twilight"s gazed turned upwards. Big Mac on the other hoof kept his gaze to the ground. Immense guilt weighing itself in his soul.

It was quiet for several moments before Twilight spoke.

"You have a family?"

Big Mac nodded.

"Very well, if Apple Bloom and I were to cross paths in the future I shall deliver your message."

Big Mac sighed in relief.

Said relief was short-lived as a horn priced his skull.

=======================

Twilight Sparkle stared into the now limp form of her opponent.

"Hey, Twilight!"

Turning her head the unicorn saw Derpy and Spike approached her. With Trixie sprawled out of Derpy's back unconscious.

"Greeting."

"Who's that?" Spike questioned with a raise raised. His face was covered in pony blood. Looking back at her the stallion Twilight shrugged.

"No one important."

"What do we do now?" Derpy questioned. Starring at Twilight with the eye that wasn't sealed shut. In response, Twilight horn glowed. A second later a portal opens leading to their secret hideout. "What we did Derpy"

Looking back Twilight mimicked a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Try to save Equestria.