Rainbow Rescue!

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Chapter 1

A deep yawn escaped Trixie’s lips as she threw open her window. Bright, loving sunlight filled her house. The cloudless sky promised another perfect day.

“What a wonderful day!” Trixie’s mouth extended into a wide, delighted grin.

“Yes, yes, yes! What a wonderful day indeed!” Razzaroo gave Trixie a friendly wave, walking up to her window. The mare's purple coat almost glistened in the sun and her white, light pink, and blue striped mane bobbed as she trotted over to the window. Her cutie mark, a green and yellow parcel tied with pink and white ribbons matched the boxes she carried on her back or vice versa. “It’s sure to become more perfect when the First Rainbow Celebration begins! Yes, yes, yes!”

Trixie blinked. “That’s today?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo giggled. “Why else do you think we’re decorating the town?”

Sure enough, ponies were tying rainbow-colored ribbons to lampposts and benches. Balloons with rainbow designs floated in the air, attached to anything that could hold them.

“Huh.” As usual, Trixie was terrible at remembering holidays. Minty had almost sworn to never speak to her again when Trixie had forgotten her best friend’s birthday twice in a row.

Trixie’s puzzlement turned into a beaming smile when she remembered what holiday they were celebrating. She loved the First Rainbow Celebration! Its beauty and spender had always awed her

“Oh my gosh, I better get going or I’ll miss everything!” Trixie rushed back into her house and quickly nabbed her trademark star-covered hat and cape from her bedpost.

Razzaroo giggled and waved goodbye as Trixie ran from her house towards the town square. Hopefully, they hadn’t started the festivities without her. She made a quick stop at her best friend’s house to check if she was home. Trixie couldn’t start the fun without her best friend. Unfortunately, she had already left for the celebration.

“So lovely!” The decorations were even prettier near the castle. Trixie’s mouth extended into a stupid grin.

“Well, of course, darling.” Rainbow Dash said. “I’m the one who designed it all.” The sky blue earth pony was the most stylish pony Trixie had ever met. Her quaffed mane matched the colors of the day’s celebrations.

Trixie covered her mouth with a hoof and giggled under it. “Not surprising. It matches the name! Say, have you seen Minty anywhere? She wasn’t at her house.”

Seconds later, Trixie jerked to attention as somepony screamed and grunted in pain.

Rainbow Dash pointed towards a mint green earth pony with a pink tail face planted on the pavement. It seemed she’d fallen off a ladder. “I imagine that’s her, darling.”

“Minty, are you okay?” Trixie ran to her best friend’s side, helping her stand.

“Yeah, I’m okay. I just slipped. You know me, always clumsy.” Minty looked down towards the banner she’d been trying to hang over the castle’s entryway, sighing when she spotted a hole torn through it.

“Sorry, Pinkie,” Minty said, sniffing. “I ruined the banner you worked so hard to create.” The words “Welcome to the First Rainbow Celebration” were written across the banner.

“It’s fine, Minty.” Pinkie Pie, a pink earth pony with an equally pink mane, waved a dismissive hoof. “Accidents happen. Besides, I made a backup just in case! I figured this might happen. When you’re a party pony, you plan for everything!” She pulled an identical banner from a nearby duffle bag.

“Except this time, I will be the one to hang it up,” Trixie said, levitating the banner with her magic.

Minty rubbed the back of her neck. “It’s probably for the best. Your magic is so fantastic, Trixie!” As the sole unicorn living in Ponyville, only Trixie had any magical ability.

“Thanks!.” Pinkie said. “It’s a great help!”

“I don’t mind. Anything for a friend!” As she levitated the banner to attach it, Trixie paused, brow furrowed.

Wait, why does Ponyville have a castle, anyway? I thought this was a small rural community created by frontier ponies. Suddenly, the answer clicked. The castle had once belonged to Princess Celestia, the sister of Queen Luna, ruler of Ponyland. Trixie thought herself foalish for even forgetting the answer. She could be so forgetful.

Long ago, the royal sisters had lived in harmony. Celestia, however, had grown jealous of her sister and transformed herself into the monstrous Corona! Corona had been a terrible troublemaker until Queen Luna stopped her and banished her to the sun forever.

A thousand years had passed since then. After Corona’s banishment, the town had refurbished the royal castle into a community center. It would hold fun games for the First Rainbow Celebration later today. Planned by the greatest party pony ever, Pinkie Pie, of course.

After shaking her head and putting aside her silly question, Trixie placed the banner in the correct spot and smiled, satisfied by her work.

“Anything else you need levitated in place?” Trixie asked.

“Nope. That should be the last of it.” Pinkie Pie said. It left Trixie disappointed she couldn’t do more to help. Trixie loved helping her friends! Oh well. Maybe she could perform a makeshift magic show later. She loved entertaining ponies, especially foals.

“Is it time for the game to begin yet?” Trixie said, growing impatient.

“I hope there’s pin the tail on the pony! That’s my favorite!” Minty said, nodding.

“Not yet, darlings.” Rainbow Dash said. “The opening ceremony hasn’t started yet. Can’t begin the festivities without it. Mayor Flitter Flutter has prepared a special speech, she’s been working on it for weeks.”

Trixie knocked a hoof against her head. “I should have known.”

“Ah.” Minty lowered her head, disappointed, but acquiesced to the point.

Everypony in Ponyville gathered within the castle walls. They chatted amongst themselves, eagerly waiting for the First Rainbow Celebration to officially begin. Trixie, of course, hung around her best friend, Minty. They’d been childhood friends, and Trixie couldn’t bear being separated from her. Besides, she’d be around to help if Minty got into another one of her accidents. A cough caught everypony’s attention, making them go quiet. A pearly yellow earth pony with a purple and light pink mane stepped onto a raised platform overseeing the entire group. The platform sat on a balcony that oversaw the entirety of Ponyville.

“Welcome everypony to the First Rainbow Celebration.” Mayor Flitter Flutter said. “I’m glad to see so many friends here today. On this special day, we honor rainbows and the color and beauty they provide.”

From a box, the mayor withdrew a wand with a white stem covered with star-shaped ruins with a large purple star on its tip and pointed it towards an open balcony. It was the Rainbow Wand which gave its wielder the power over rainbows. “Let us never forget what a wonderful gift it gives us all!”

With a wave of her wand, something spectacular happened. Moments later, a gentle rain struck Ponyville. It lasted for only a few moments before stopping. The storm left something behind that stole Trixie’s breath away. In the sky was the most wonderful, dazzling rainbow Trixie had ever seen.

“Spectacular! Let this rainbow be a promise for a bright and prosperous year!" Flitter Flutter said.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep!” A voice said, its tone mocking.

Trixie screamed in pain as a bright light blinded her. When her vision finally cleared, she and everypony else gasped when they saw the unexpected newcomer. It was Corona, the fallen princess. How? Wasn’t she banished forever?

Corona was unlike anypony Trixie had ever seen before. The mare stood three times larger than a normal pony. Her coat was pure white with a mane that blazed like living fire. Like Trixie, Corona had a horn, but also wings like the legendary pegasi of the lost Butterfly Island! While Trixie had seen pictures of Queen Luna, it was quite a sight to see an alicorn in person.

“What do you want?” Flitter Flutter trembled, her voice quavering before the evil princess.

“This.” With her magic, Corona tore the Rainbow Wand from the mayor’s hoof. She gave an evil grin when the magical artifact was in her possession. “I do hate parties where I’m not invited. Such disrespect won’t be tolerated.”

With a wave of the wand, something bizarre happened. It sucked the rainbow that Flitter Flutter had summoned into its purple star, but that wasn’t all. Everything colored rainbow suddenly lost its color, becoming a dull gray instead. Ponies gasped in horror and fear. Rainbow Dash screamed and fainted when she caught sight of her mane.

“Now, nopony will ever look upon a rainbow again!” Corona gave a cruel laugh devoid of any mirth. “Enjoy your dull world, my little ponies.”

“Why are you doing this? How did you even get free?” Trixie glared. She couldn’t stand bullies.

“Simple payback for forgetting me,” Corona replied. “Since me and my sister were foals, ponies never paid any attention to me. It was always Luna who caught their eye. I was just the queen’s sister, little more. I hated my sister and ponies for that.”

Okay, but it doesn’t explain how you escaped. And why us? Ponyville’s just an obscure dot on a map! Before Trixie could press the point, Corona continued her rant.

“They ignored me and worshiped her. No longer. If I can’t be happy or loved, nopony can either. I’ll take away every precious thing you ponies love.”

Corona’s eyes swept the castle, seeing all the games and treats the ponies had prepared for the celebration. An evil glint flashed in her eyes. “Speaking of which.”

The horn poking from Corona’s head lit with a yellow glow, and the entire world shook under Trixie’s hooves. Many ponies lost their hoofing and slipped.

“This castle belongs to me. I’d leave quickly if I were you.” Corona said, voice dangerous. Much to everypony’s shock, Ponyville was growing smaller. The castle was floating into the air!

Not needing to be told twice, Ponyville citizens fled the castle. Trixie moved to follow, but stopped when she noticed Minty quivering on the stone floor.

“Minty?” Trixie asked, concerned.

“No, not her. Anypony but her.” Minty culled up into a ball, crying from terror.

Trixie glanced out onto the balcony. The castle had almost reached the tip of the clock tower. What was Corona? This magic was far beyond anything unicorns could perform.

“Minty, we need to leave, now!” Trixie grabbed Minty by the arm, hefting her up. With a weak nod, her best friend complied, and they fled towards the exit. They jumped safely to the clock tower’s roof, watching as Ponyville’s castle disappeared into the sky.

Trixie noted it was heading toward the Willy Nilly Mountains. “That jerk stole our castle! Minty, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I should be fine,” Minty replied. “Corona is a scary pony.”

“This is horrible! A disaster! There go all our party games! The First Rainbow Celebration is ruined!” Rainbow Dash said, moaning in abject horror as they reach ground level.

“Yeah, ‘cause that’s the greatest problem here,” Trixie said, unable to bite back her sarcasm.

“Look at my mane! It’s lost all its fabulous luster!” Rainbow Dash slid a hoof through her now gray mane. “What will we do without rainbows?!”

“Without the Rainbow Wand, Ponyland will never look upon a rainbow again!” Flitter Flutter said, dejected. Ponies muttered to themselves fearfully.

“Again, I hardly think that is the biggest problem. There’s an insane, vengeful alicorn on the loose!” Was Trixie the only pony seeing sense?!

“Trixie’s right. We need to do something about this! We need to chase after her and steal back the Rainbow Wand!” Pinkie said, taking charge.

“Or we could just contact Queen Luna and let her fix this mess,” Trixie said, not understanding why this was their problem.

“No, no, no!” Razzaroo said. “Unicornia is miles and miles away. It will take days for a message to reach them. Who knows what mischief Corona might cause until then? Yes, yes, yes!”

Pinkie Pie ran into a nearby house and returned with a telescope. She climbed a lamppost and peered towards the direction of Willy Nilly Mountains. “I can see where Corona has landed her castle. It’s sitting on top of the nearest peak from here. About 10.36 miles away by my estimation.”

“That isn’t too far. If we’re quick enough, we can return in time for party games!” Rainbow Dash clapped her hooves together in delight.

“No, we should leave this for Luna,” Does everypony have a death wish?!

“Well, I’m going!” Pinkie Pie said after dropping back down. “I can’t stand party poopers!”

“Me too. Somepony needs to stop her. Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo said.

“We should join them, Trixie.” Minty gave her best friend a nudge. “You’re the greatest magician in Ponyland. I doubt they can stop her without the Great and Powerful Trixie! You’re the bravest pony I know!”

“Minty, I’m a stage magician. I’m not some sort of all-powerful wizard or whatever.” Trixie wasn’t keen on the idea of heading into danger.

Yet, when she saw her friends’ expectant looks, it filled her heart with courage. With her friends, anything was possible! The Great and Powerful Trixie was ready for action! She gave an enthusiastic nod, her silly fears forgotten! Besides, Trixie got a strange hunch that rainbows were the key to defeating Corona.

“I’m coming too!” Rainbow Dash said, much to everypony’s shock.

“What? Aren’t you afraid you’ll dirty your mane or something?” Trixie peered at the fashionista.

“I don’t like bullies.” Rainbow Dash replied. The brave answer surprised Trixie. “Besides, I’m not letting my friends go into danger alone.”

“Huh.” Trixie hadn’t expected that. “What about you, Flitter Flutter?”

“Nope, I’m staying here. Good luck!” The mayor fled towards town hall, locking the door behind her, not afraid to hide her cowardice.

That answers that.

“Together, Corona doesn’t stand a chance!” Pinkie Pie said. “Let’s go ponies!”

Everypony nodded in agreement, but Minty shook her head. “Wait, I need to get something first!” Without another word, she ran towards her house. Minty returned with a green blanket that she had wrapped around her neck like a scarf.

“There, that’s better,” Minty said after rejoining the group. “I’m ready.”

“Are you cold, darling?” Rainbow Dash looked towards the sky. “It seems like a nice, warm, clear day to me.”

“No, it’s just for protection,” Minty replied, somewhat sheepishly. “I love the color green. It makes me feel better.”

Trixie gave her best friend a supportive hug. She couldn’t blame the mare for wanting to bring along something that would give her some courage. It wasn’t unlike her trademark hat and cape.

“Does everypony have everything they need?” Pinkie Pie asked and got only nods in response. “Good.”

Trixie joined her friends as they ran towards the road leading out of the village. Watch out, Corona! We’re coming for you!

“Ten miles is longer than I thought!” Trixie said. It hadn’t taken them long for their sprint to lose its steam, forcing them to trot the rest of the distance. While the countryside was pretty, it seemed endless. “My legs are killing me!”

“And this dust is ruining my beautiful coat! I never realized how dirty the outside world was.” Rainbow Dash said, joining in with Trixie’s complaining.

Pinkie Pie pulled out a map and tapped her chin. “According to this, we have three more miles until we reach the Haunted Forest. After them, we’re all clear to reach the Willy Nilly Mountains!”

“Haunted Forest?” Minty gripped her green blanket tighter. “Sounds spooky!”

“Yes, yes, yes! There are many ghost stories about it, though I doubt they are true. Ghosts don’t exist. No, no, no!” Razzaroo said.

The word ghost sent a chill down their group’s spine, making Trixie question the wisdom of this journey. Still, Trixie had her great and powerful magic. If anypony could protect them from ghosts, I’d be her. In theory.

As they walked, Trixie separated with the others, joining Minty in the rear. “How are you holding up?”

“Me? Oh, I’m fine.” Minty waved a dismissive hoof,

“If you’re sure,” Trixie said, still not convinced. “You scared me back in the castle. You completely froze up when Corona appeared. What happened?”

“Well, um. Corona’s pretty scary. Those cruel, unforgiving eyes. The way she towers over you.” Minky suppressed a shutter. ‘I’m just glad you’re around to help us fight her. You’re so brave, Trixie. We couldn’t do this without you.”

“Not as brave as you think.” Trixie turned away to hide her embarrassment. “But I am pretty great, you have to admit.”

“The most great and powerful!” Minty declared, standing on her back hooves.

“Yeah.” Still, she worried about her best friend. They’d known each other since forever. Trixie couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to her. Minty was the most important pony in her life!

“Hey, I think I see the Haunted Forest! Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo said.

When they reached the forest in question, Trixie laughed at herself for even getting worried. It just seemed like a slightly dark forest and raised her head high as they entered. Still, the trees were thick, making navigating through it difficult.

“Okay, everypony, stick together!” Pinkie Pie said. “We can’t let anypony get lost.”

“Some haunted forest. I’ve seen so much worse!” Trixie paused, a strange sensation passing over her. Had she done this before? It seemed familiar somehow. The moment passed, and she shook her head, dismissing such foalishness. She screamed as her face collided with something sticky.

“Oops, it looks like you collided with a spider’s home.” Minty giggled under her hoof.

“Funny.” Trixie flailed for several minutes, trying to remove the sticky substance. She finally removed the web, only to scream as a spider landed on her face between her eyes. The tiny creature shook an angry leg towards her and squirted more web into Trixie’s face before jumping off and disappearing into some bushes.

“Gah!” Trixie gagged and tried to spit the webbing from her mouth. Everypony stifled a laugh at Trixie’s misfortune. Everyone except Rainbow Dash, who gave Trixie a sympathetic smile and pulled out a handkerchief.

“Let me, darling.” Rainbow Dash whipped Trixie’s face clean.

“Thanks.” Trixie flushed with embarrassment.

“You’ve never been very popular with animals, right Trixie? Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo stifled a giggle.

“That was interesting.” A bewildered Minty said.

“Let’s get moving before tiggers attack us or something,” Trixie said, marching forward, eager to escape this unfortunate incident.

“Tiggers? In Ponyland?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Now you’re just being silly, were miles away from the hundred acre wood”

“Whatever, let’s get going before something else bad happens!”

“Hahaha! Fools! You have entered my domain! Leave now or face the consequences!”

Trixie screamed and jumped into the nearest pony’s hooves. Razzaroo tried and failed to support her weight, and they collapsed in a heap.

“Who’s there?! Show yourself!” Pinkie Pie said, voice holding a challenge. The evil voice only laughed and disappeared, only leaving a deafening silence behind.

Their group said nothing, watching their surroundings with nervous glances. Despite the threat, they moved forward anyway, determined to complete their mission. They froze when some rustled in the bush ahead of them. Trixie stepped forward, magic lighting her horn. While she didn’t know any attack spells, Trixie figured they didn’t know that.

Her heart almost stopped as a living skeleton popped from the bush, waving its limbs threateningly. She lost courage and stepped back. Their situation worsened as more skeletons popped up from foliage, moving to surround their pony prey.

Chapter 2

“They’re surrounding us!” Trixie backed away as the skeletons moved closer waving their skeletal hooves menacingly. The creatures were fast, moving too quick to flee from. Worse, the monsters outnumbered them almost ten to one, making fighting against them impossible.

“What now?” Minty hid behind Trixie, shaking in fear. The rest of Trixie’s companions weren’t much braver.

“I won’t allow you to hurt my friends.” A look of determination filled Pinkie Pie’s face. “Get going. I’ll hold them off.”

“No!” Trixie said, alarmed. “You’ll get hurt!”

“No, no, no! You don’t stand a chance!” Razzaroo said, overwrought with emotion. “There must be another way!”

An odd smile appeared on Pinkie Pie’s face. The brave foal knew she was running to her doom. But if it meant saving her friends, Pinkie Pie would sacrifice everything.

The pink pony pawed at the ground, a wicked smile on her face. “Do your worst!” Much to her friends’ dismay, the mare unleashed a battle cry and charged forward, hooves raised to strike the nearest skeleton warrior.

No! Pinkie Pie! Tears stung Trixie's eyes. Despite always considering the party pony somewhat annoying, this senseless sacrifice was too much to bear.

“Hiya!” Pinkie Pie unleashed a punishing punch into her quarry. Much to everypony’s astonishment, the skeleton snapped in half with ease. Confused, the earth pony threw a punch at another skeleton, to similar results.

What? Even more confusingly, the skeleton horde stood in place, not jumping Pinkie Pie as expected.

“What’s this?” Pinkie Pie peered at the odd white powder the skeleton had left after she’d punched it. “Plaster? Wait a minute, these aren’t real skeletons at all!”

“What the heck?” Trixie carefully moved closer towards another skeleton and realized Pinkie was right. They were all just models with thin wires attached to their limbs, making it possible for somepony to puppeteer them from a distance. “Of all the rotten tricks!”

“Yes, yes, yes! This only appears to be a prank!” Razzaroo cried, delighted.

“A dreadfully rather rude one if you ask me.” Rainbow Dash said with a huff.

“That’s a relief.” Minty put a hoof over her racing heart.

“Oh, darn. I didn’t expect you to fight back.” The mysterious voice said, chagrined. “I only meant to scare you away.”

“Who are you?! Show yourself!” Trixie stomped a hoof for emphasis. Her friends made similar demands, annoyed at being fooled.

“Hi, the name’s Spike!” A strange reptile creature emerged from a bush. He stood a head shorter than a pony with purple scales and an orange body with a short tuff of purple hair sitting on his head. Despite being caught out, he didn’t seem ashamed of his actions.

“What’s with the Nightmare Night haunted house junk?” Trixie pointed an accusatory hoof towards the fake skeletons.

“This is a Haunted Forest. I thought it was due for some hauntings.” Spike laughed as his own joke.

“Hilarious,” Trixie said, unamused.

“My, I’ve never seen a creature like you before.” Rainbow Dash walked around the lizard creature, examining him. “May I ask what you are?”

“I am of the ancient and noble race of the dragons!” Spike said, not hiding his pride.

A dragon? Weren’t they meant to bigger? And scarier looking? “And what are you doing here, Mr. Dragon?” Trixie crossed her front hooves, peering at their new dragon acquaintance with a skeptical expression.

Spike beamed. “I’m glad you asked! Traveling around this magnificent land of ours and seeing its sights.”

“And scaring the daylights out of ponies?” Trixie said, unable to bite back her sarcasm.

Spike laughed to himself. “Well, you must admit it was pretty funny.”

“No, no, it wasn’t,” Trixie replied.

Razzaroo rolled her eyes. “No harm done. No, no, no! Spike, is there a path leading out of this forest? Yes, yes, yes!”

Pinkie Pie nodded. “We need to reach Willy Nilly Mountain.”

“Easy enough question to answer for a well-traveled gentledrake like myself. Just through those trees.” Spike pointed north. “May I ask why? It’s quite the climb.”

“We’re off to confront Corona! Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo replied.

“Corona?” Spike’s overbearing self-assurance faltered. “She’s back?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo gave an emphatic nod. “She stole the Rainbow Wand. We’re on a quest to steal it back.”

“Yeah, and she stole our stupid castle!” Trixie said.

“And our party games!” Rainbow Dash added unhelpfully.

“My, my, my.” Spike’s worries deepened. “This isn’t good. Queen Luna promised she’d be gone forever!”

Minty blinked. “You know the queen?”

Spike waved a dismissive claw. “We go way back! I’ve been her royal guest more than once. I am quite well-traveled as I explained before.”

“Fascinating, but we really need to be leaving,” Trixie said, getting back to track. “We have rainbows to save!”

“It was nice meeting you!” Minty gave the dragon a friendly wave. “I’m Minty!” Everypony else gave their introductions, though Trixie wasn’t as enthusiastic as the others.

“Trixie’s right.” Pinkie Pie said. “Sorry we can’t stay longer, but we don’t have time to waste.” The rest of Trixie’s friends said their goodbyes, heading in the direction Spike had indicated.

“Wait!” A nervous Spike said, running up towards them.

“What is it now?” Trixie said, annoyed.

“Be nice, Trixie.” Rainbow Dash said, her tone chastising. “What is it, darling?”

“I just realized pointing out the direction won’t be enough,” Spike said. “I would be happy to show you the way.”

“Why?” Trixie asked, suspicious.

Spike put a claw over his heart. “I am quite the gentledrake. It would be unbecoming if I allowed you ponies to climb the Willy Nilly Mountains alone.”

“Uh, huh.” Trixie’s tone dripped with doubt. For some reason, the news of Corona’s freedom had unnerved the dragon.

“We’d love to have you!” Pinkie Pie said, “The more, the merrier.”

“Darling, I love your mane.” Rainbow Dash gave the dragon’s hair an appreciative nod. “May I ask where you get it styled?”

“I do it myself,” Spike said, beaming with pride. “I consider myself quite the stylist.”

“Can you do mine?” Minty asked. “I’ve been overdue for a manecut.”

“Just tell me how you want it,” Spike replied. “I can arrange it in any style you’d like.”

With that, they gained a new dubious ally. While friendly, it was obvious the dragon was hiding something. Trixie tried questioning him about his personal history with Corona, but Spike evaded answering every time. Having such a dubious ally made Trixie nervous, wondering if they could count on him when the situation turned dire.

“Oh dear, oh dear.” Spike paced around, claws behind his back. “Where’s that path again?”

Despite the dragon’s assurances, Spike had led them towards an almost impassable rock face. The Willy Nilly Mountains were harder to climb than expected, with high sheer rock faces with few hoof holds. Despite almost an hour of wandering, they still hadn’t found an easy path up the mountain.

“Ah, yes! This way.” Spike pointed left. “That should be much easier to climb.”

“I hope so.” Rainbow Dash said. “It was quite rude of Corona to plant her castle on such a hard mountain to climb.”

It was slow going, but they’d made some progress. Despite Spike’s assurances, it was almost nightfall by the time they’d reached the peak where Corona’s castle stood.

“I’d never said it’d be easy. It’s been a couple hundred years since I last climbed the Willy Nilly Mountains.” Spike replied when Trixie voiced her complaints. It was a starless night, making traversing any further impossible. Thankfully, they found a welcoming cave and made camp. A fire crackled, warming the chilly night air.

“And you travel the world, darling?” Rainbow Dash asked Spike. “How exciting! You must be brimming with exciting tales of your adventures!”

“A few,” Spike said, smugly.

“Have you ever been to Butterfly Island?” Pinkie asked, intrigued. “Have you seen a pegasus? What are they like?”

Trixie yawned and tried getting herself into a comfortable position by the fire. “Like any other pony. It’s like asking what an earth pony is like.”

“Why, darling, you speak like you’ve met one before.” Rainbow Dash asked, giving a curious tilt of her head.

Trixie opened her mouth, only to close it when no answer came. Had she met a pegasus before? It should be impossible since nopony had seen one in several centuries. Yet had she?

“Are you okay, Trixie?” Somepony said. Trixie shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.

Pegasi… No. It can’t be. They were only a pony from legend. She was being silly! Talking without thinking. Yet, why was there this terrible emptiness in her heart?

“I’m fine.” Trixie forced a smile.

“That’s good to hear. How about I cheer everypony with a story?” Spike said. “It all began when I…”

Trixie wandered outside, uninterested in hearing more of Spike’s tales. A cold front whipped against her, and she tightened her cape around herself to stay warm. After some searching, she found a spot on a nearby cliff with an excellent view.

“It’s cold out. You’re not sitting by the fire?” A voice said behind Trixie. It was Minty.

“Eh, it isn’t every day you climb a mountain. I’d thought I’d enjoy the scenery.” It was striking how picturesque Ponyland was, like something out of a picture book.

“Is something wrong, Trixie?” Minty asked, concerned. “You aren’t acting like your usual self.”

Trixie hesitated, unsure how to respond. Why was she acting weird? She was on a mission with her best friend to save Ponyland. She should be happy. No, she was happy.

Trixie gave her best friend Minty a reassuring smile. “I’m fine! I’m on an adventure with you! Mean old Corona doesn’t stand a chance!”

Minty nodded, gazing at the lovely scenery below. “Once we rescue the Rainbow Wand, we should go on more adventures! We could bring the others.”

Trixie nodded, enthused by the idea, then hesitated. “Even Spike? He’s such a blowhard.” She’d never met somebeing so self-absorbed in her life.

“He isn’t that bad.” Minty stifled a laugh. “He can act as our…” her voice trailed off into a gasp, “It can’t be!” She trembled, collapsing headfirst into the snow.

“Minty!” Trixie rushed to her friend’s aid.

“Isn’t it somewhat premature to speak of future adventures?” A familiar voice said. Trixie looked up, eyes widening in horror upon seeing the speaker.

“Corona!” Trixie stood protectively over Minty.

“I thought I heard pests scrambling around on my mountain.” Corona flew down, blocking their escape. “You were foals to come here.”

Trixie’s eyes darted around, searching for an escape path, but found nothing but a terrible fall below. Corona’s mouth grew into the cruelest smile Trixie had ever seen, enjoying making her victims feel helpless.

“Trixie,” Minty said, her voice weak.

“Don’t worry, Minty. I’ll protect you!” Trixie sent Corona the most fearsome glare she could muster. Determination to protect her best friend drove away all fear.

“You should worry more about yourself.” Corona took to the air and pointed her horn down. In the instant, Trixie realized what the evil alicorn had planned and tried pushing Minty to safety. She wasn’t quick enough, and a bolt of red hot energy struck the cliff face. Trixie lost her hoofing as the ground crumbled beneath her.

“Hold on!” Trixie grabbed Minty and leaped to grab a piece of solid rock. For a moment, she was certain it would hold their weight, and she could pull them to safety. Much to Trixie’s horror, the rock broke apart in her hooves, and they plummeted into the depths below.

A groan escaped Trixie’s lips and she weakly opened her eyes. She jerked to life and flailed her legs as she found herself trapped in white. Moments later, her hoof found open-air and pulled herself up.

“Dear Luna! I can’t believe I’m still alive!” Trixie gasped after reaching the surface. She glanced around, trying to determine where she was.

Above her was a sheer cliff face, impossible to climb. Around her was a thick snowy forest, dark and spooky. As Trixie puzzled over her next action, she froze, realizing she’d forgotten something.

“Minty!” Trixie scrambled around in the snow, trying to locate her best friend. Seconds later, she found a hoof deep in the snow and pulled. Minty gasped as her lungs met open-air and coughed hard.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Minty coughed again. “Where are we?”

“Somewhere lower on the mountain. We’re lucky to still be alive.” Corona, that jerk! I can’t believe she tried to kill us!

Minty nervously glanced around. “Can we get back up? The others must be worried sick!”

“Not sure. I guess we’ll just climb towards Corona’s castle and hope we find them.” Trixie feared for her other friend’s safety. What if Corona had found them, too?

Minty nodded, and they headed into the dark forest. Trixie’s horn glowed a gentle blue, barely illuminating the path ahead. Every step forward was fraught with tension, fearful that Corona might return to finish the job. For her best friend’s sake, Trixie gritted her teeth and took charge.

The night chilled quickly, and soon their breath fogged before them. Thank Luna they’d come prepared. Trixie used her cape, and Minty used her blanket/scarf to stave off the cold. A gentle snow fell from the heavens as they explored the forest. Its reach was extensive, making it difficult to gauge how they’d return from where they’d fallen. Worse, none of the cliffs they’d found were climbable, leaving them stuck. Trixie feared they’d need to climb the entire mountain before reaching their destination. An hour passed, and they weren’t any closer to finding a path back to their friends.

Trixie kicked a rock in frustration. “I guess we’re screwed! We might as well go back home.”

Minty’s eyes widened. “But what about our friends? Or Corona?!”

“I realized that, but what else can we do?. We’re no help to them as ponycilles!” The night had become dangerously cold, and not even Trixie’s magic cape and hat provided enough warmth.

“I suppose.” Minty lowered her head, defeated.

Backpedaling, Trixie gave her best friend a reassuring smile. “It’s fine! Pinkie Pie is strong. She can defeat Corona without us!”

“Wait a minute, what’s that?” Minty pointed up, and Trixie gasped when she saw an open green flame roaring on a nearby cliff. Seconds later, it disappeared, only to reappear again a few hooves away.

“What the heck is that?” Trixie watched the burst of flame with a careful eye, fearful it might be Corona. No, it couldn’t be. Her magic was yellow. Whoever they were, they were acting like a beacon.

“We should investigate!” Minty ran towards the source of the flame.

“Wait! We don’t know if it’s safe!” Trixie said, following close behind.

The flame became larger as they approached, and Trixie cloaked them with an illusion of invisibility, hiding their approach. It wouldn’t hide their hoofprints in the snow, but Trixie figured it was too dark to notice them. Their steps were silent as they snuck closer, and Trixie’s eyes hurt when the flame lit up the almost pitch-black sky. They snuck into a nearby bush, waiting for their target to approach. Trixie immediately ruined her hiding spot when she cried out in surprise.

“Spike?”

Flames escaped the dragon’s mouth but paused when he heard his name being called. He glanced around and furrowed his brow when she spotted nothing but trees, rock, and snow.

“Spike!” Trixie dropped her invisibility, running forward to greet the dragon.

“Trixie and Minty, thank goodness I found you. When you fell off that cliff, I feared the worst!” Spike’s voice was rough and difficult to understand.

“Spike!” Minty gave the dragon a fierce hug. “I thought I’d never see you again!”

“Yeah, that was some trick with your fire breath,” Trixie said. “But what if Corona found you?!”

“For your sake, it was worth the risk.” Spike gave a chuckle. “I figured if I fired my fire breath enough, you’d notice it. In the dark, you’d hardly miss it.”

“Spike. Why, though? It sounded like you seriously hurt your throat with all that fire!” Trixie shook her head, astonished.

“I’m your friend, Trixie. Friends, look out for each other.” Spike coughed, then sneezed and shivered. “But how about we discuss this someplace warmer?” They nodded, and they followed Spike back towards camp. Trixie lent the dragon her cape, terrified he might catch a serious cold. Pneumonia might prove fatal.

What a lucky save. I was certain that was a dead end. Still, how fortunate Spike happened to stumble across them. What a lucky coincidence. Trixie shook her head. What a thing to worry about. She should be more concerned with meeting back with her friends. She pressed them to move more quickly to both enjoy the warmth of her friends and their campfire.

“Oh dear, I could have sworn it was this way.” Spike scratched his head. “Or is it this other way?”

“Are we lost?” I’d been over an hour, and they still hadn’t found camp. Trixie was less than impressed with her dragon guide’s sense of direction.

“Lost is a relative term,” Spike replied. “I know exactly where we are. I am only unclear where everyone else is.”

“Right,” Trixie said, her voice wry. Another hour passed, and they still hadn’t found their friends.

“Spike, admit it. We’re lost!” Trixie was cold, hungry, and miserable. It made her less conducive to polite conversation.

“Okay, you’re right! We’re lost!” Spike threw up his claws. “Happy now! I don’t always have the best sense of direction.”

“Why didn’t you say that sooner!” Trixie said. “It might have saved us countless hours of pointless wandering.”

Spike gave a contemptuous snort. “Like you’d do any better.”

“Stop it!” Minty threw herself between her bickering friends before Trixie could reply with her own cutting remark. “It isn’t helping anypony. We can’t afford to break up now. We need to save Ponyland, remember?”

“I suppose.” Trixie rolled her eyes, and Spike gave a derisive snort, and they glared at each other.

“I know! How about a song? It should help cheer everything up.” Minky clapped her hooves together with abject enthusiasm.

“Isn’t Corona still out there?” Trixie pointed up. Her best friend ignored her, breaking into a silly, jaunty tune. Oddly, its lyrics perfectly matched their situation. Had Minty planned this weeks in advance or something?

Despite herself, Trixie sang along. Spike joined her, and they made an excellent acapella, singing in perfect harmony, though they still kept their tone low. Her best friend was right. Trixie felt marginally better.

“Sorry for snapping at you, Spike.” Trixie kicked her hooves, abashed.

“Me too, Trixie,” Spike replied, equally chagrined.

“Everything is back to normal. Just a bit further. Don’t lose heart. We’re almost there! Minty continued her song, dispelling the frustrated mood that had been oppressing their group.

Sure enough, they found the others watching the mountainside with anxious eyes. Once Trixie came into view, their stress and worry melted away, beaming in utter delight.

“Darling, thank goodness you’re back.” Rainbow Dash said. “We feared we’d lost you.”

“It takes a greater force than that to defeat the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Trixie kicked into the air, a smug expression on her face.

“Yes, yes, yes! Corona doesn’t stand a chance against us!” Razzaroo said, chuckling to herself.

Trixie curled up next to the fire, using her hat as a pillow and cape as a blanket. “Wake me in the morning. I’m pooped!”

“Already?” Pinkie Pie blinked in surprise.

“We can have a cheerful reunion in the morning,” Trixie replied.

“No, no, no! You aren’t getting off that easily.” Trixie gasped as Razzaroo pulled her into a fearsome hug. “We were so worried about you! Yes, yes, yes!”

“Group hug!” Minty joined them without hesitation. The others soon joined her.

“Okay, okay. I’m happy to see you guys, too!” Trixie blushed. Dear Luna, she hated being all emotional. It made her look stupid.

They spent the next hour listening to Spike recount their little adventure in flowery detail. It wasn’t long before he exaggerated his involvement and even added monsters to the story. He spoke of their daring escape that ended with them getting rescued by the mythical Breezies. Minty joined in, adding more fantastic details to the tale. Despite her tiredness, Trixie listened with amusement.

No, Trixie didn’t mind losing some sleep if it meant spending time with her friends. She felt guilty that she hadn’t become this close to them sooner. Rainbow Dash delivered her mail to her every day, and she’d seen Razzaroo work her weather patrol job countless times, waving as she flew past.

No, wait. Razzaroo doesn’t have wings. Trixie shook her head, confused. What did Razzaroo do again? And Rainbow Dash, wasn’t she a dressmaker, not a postpony? Trixie shook her head. Her obvious exhaustion was making recalling details fuzzy. Besides, it didn’t really matter, anyway.

“The way you speak about them, are they truly your friends? You refuse to question them. You seem more like their plaything, dancing on invisible strings.” A voice whispered behind Trixie’s ear. Her heart almost stopped when she recognized the voice.

“Corona?!” Trixie jerked away in fright. How had she gotten there? The rest of her friends reacted with similar alarm.

“I commend you for getting this far,” Corona said. “Few have ever stood against me so. Such bravery deserves a reward, my little ponies.”

“Reward?” Trixie fought down the fearful stutter in her voice.

“Yes, I will leave you alone for tonight.” Corona’s grin was cruel and savage. “You die tomorrow, so why not allow you one final peaceful night’s sleep. I’ll await you in my castle.” Everybeing backed away as Corona’s body burst into flame and disappeared. The sun princess’s mocking laughter echoed through the cave.

Author's Note

I applogize for the lack of song. Music isn't a talent of mine. It's a glaring omission, but it can't be helped.

Chapter 3

“Are we really doing this?” Trixie asked as they approached Corona’s borrowed castle. “She knows we’re coming! We’re walking into a viper pit! Heck, she might have actual vipers waiting for us!”

“Yes, yes, yes! We know Trixie.” Razzaroo said, slightly exasperated. “But we have little choice. No, no, no!”

“Just a few steps forward, and we’ve finished this quest.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Just saying I don’t like this one bit!” Trixie continued grumbling to herself. Walking into potential danger was one thing, but walking into certain danger was another.

Besides, her encounter with Corona had unnerved her. Somehow, the princess had read her thoughts. Was it some evil alicorn magic? Who knew the rare tribe’s capabilities? Corona might even have the power to blow pony’s heads up with her mind alone!

They snuck into the castle using the cloak of night. With some considerable effort, they formed a tower and reached up to grab a tall window then ith surprising strength Spike had been able to pull them each inside. Everybeing had agreed to attempt their assault before sunrise, and a cloak of illusion hid them even further. An eerie light filled the corridors from blue-colored torches.

“Where to now?” Trixie asked. Thinking about it, she didn’t know Ponyville’s local castle very well. Odd considering she’d lived in town her entire life... Whatever, it didn’t matter.

Ponyville’s party master led the way, Pinkie Pie pointed down a right passageway. Nopony dared speak, terrified of being caught. They headed towards what used to be the royal bedchambers.

Corona had evidently done some redecorating, removing most of the community center’s furnishings. Now the building appeared more like a true royal castle. Banners displaying the evil princess’s solar cutie mark were everywhere.

She’s sure made a home for herself. Everybeing paused when they heard light snoring coming from a corridor. From a crack in a door, they saw Corona sleeping on a palatial bed. With a careful hoof, Trixie pushed the door open further. Everybeing winced as the door creaked. Corona, however, only muttered in her sleep and turned over.

There it is! Sitting on a dresser was the Rainbow Wand, sparking in its magical glory. Trixie’s instincts screamed it would mean Corona’s defeat if they got a hold on it. Unfortunately, it sat next to Corona’s bed.

“Cover me,” Trixie whispered, and slunk into the room. A vial of invisibility cloaked her, but Trixie refused to take any chances and crept forward without making a single sound.

Just a few steps forward. Irrational fear overcame Trixie as she approached Corona and the Rainbow Wand, making her legs buckle beneath her. Her focus failed, causing her illusion to drop. Trixie’s inner terror intensified as her hoof reached for her target. She nearly screamed as Corona turned over and faced her. The alicorn’s eyes were still closed, but Trixie feared they’d open any moment.

Trixie stretched her hoof again, only to find herself petrified with fear. What if it had some magical alarm? What if it dropped from her hooves and clanged on the floor? Trixie was acutely aware of how close she was to death and found she couldn’t move her hoof any further. The Rainbow Wand was both inches and miles away. Before Trixie could retreat, a comforting hoof gently grabbed her leg.

“We can do this. Just a few inches further. Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo whispered, giving Trixie’s hoof strength. Together they reached for the Rainbow Wand and grasped hold of it. When they removed their target from its perch, the overwhelming fear vanished.

Of all the dirty tricks! Trixie fumed, realizing Corona must have cast a spell that caused fear in anypony stupid enough to steal her treasure. Only Razzaroo’s help had allowed her to break through the spell.

“Thanks.” Trixie’s voice lowered several degrees below a whisper.

“I’m always here to help a friend in need. Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo’s face broke into a wide smiled, which Trixie returned. Together, they retreated from Corona’s bedroom.

“You got it, darling!” Rainbow Dash almost screamed upon seeing her friends with the fabled Rainbow Wand.

“Shhh!” Trixie flinched, hoping the fashionista hadn’t just doomed them all.

“Sorry.” Rainbow Dash flinched, blushing in embarrassment for her outburst. Thankfully, after several minutes of tense silence, nothing happened.

“Good work. Let’s skedaddle before she notices something’s wrong,” Spike said, ushering his friends forward.

Once they’d gotten a respectful distance away, Trixie examined the magical artifact properly. A trickle of red glowed from a nearby window, indicating sunrise wasn’t far away.

“How does this stupid thing work?” Trixie shook the Rainbow Wand for good measure, but nothing happened.

Spike tilted his head. “You don’t know? You’re a unicorn. Isn’t magic second nature to you?”

“Like I keep saying, I’m only a stage magician, not an archmage!” Trixie said, annoyed. She could detect something powerful within the artifact, but accessing that power was beyond her.

“Let me try, darling.” Rainbow Dash pressed the wand against her mane. Much to her disappointment, it remained gray.

Pinkie Pie took the wand next, pressing its star tip close to her eye. “There must be a way to release the rainbow power.”

They continued discussing the problem in hushed tones as they exited the castle, exiting into the chilly morning air. The sun was a red orb, almost rising past the horizon.

I should know this. Trixie thought, frustrated. The answer was on the tip of her tongue but refused to dislodge itself. The sky turned a dazzling blue, marking the beginning of the day.

“My curse isn’t so easily broken.” A voice said above them. Much to everypony’s shock, Corona flew down to block their path from the castle.

“What? How?” Trixie had assumed the sun princess would sleep in a little longer. It was eight in the morning, for goodness’ sake! Only crazy ponies awoke that early.

“They call me the sun princess for a reason.” Corona gestured to the orb in the sky. “Its warmth and heat rejuvenate me. Though I must commend you for stealing the Rainbow Wand from under my nose. Breaking through my fear spell was an impressive feat.”

Trixie stood straight, refusing to be cowed. “Yeah, and now it will be your downfall!” She grabbed the artifact, pointing it at the alicorn. So close. The answer was right there. She only needed to access it. Corona watched this, amused.

“Yeah, you big jerk. We’ll stop you!” Pinkie took a protective stance before Trixie, showing she’d stand by her friend no matter the risk or cost. The act of bravery and selflessness touched Trixie’s heart.

Pinkie Pie really is the most loyal pony I know. A flash of insight struck Trixie, realizing she’d touch on something important. Friendship. That’s what got us this far.

Memories of their adventure flashed through her head, putting pieces together she hadn’t realized were actually part of a greater puzzle.

“We can stand against you, Corona!” Trixie said with renewed confidence. Her head spun with power and significance. “Everyone, together we can beat her. Grab my hoof!”

“I’m not sure what you’re doing, darling, but I’m ready to try anything!” Rainbow Dash placed her hoof on top of Trixie’s. She was the Element of Kindness. She’d helped Trixie with a gentle hoof when she’d made a foal of herself without a hint of mockery or amusement.

Pinkie smashed her hooves together before joining her friends. “Me too!” She was the Element of Loyalty. She’d stood her ground against the fake skeletons, ready to fight them to the last to protect her friends.

“You might be right,” Spike said, awestruck by something he didn’t understand, and eagerly joined the pile of hooves. He was the Element of Generosity. He’d been ready to throw away his life for ponies he barely met, happily sacrificing his voice if it had meant saving his new friends.

“You can’t beat us, Corona! Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo beamed, joining the group. She was the Element of Honesty. She’d seen the lie of Corona’s fear spell, helping Trixie break through the illusion.

Minty wasn’t as confident, still struck by some strange fear of Corona. Trixie and her friend’s reassuring smiles filled her with courage and she placed in the last piece of the puzzle. She was the Element of Laughter. She had encouraged Spike and Trixie with her song, giving them hope and delight when they’d assumed the situation hopeless.

Trixie, of course, was the Element of Magic that harnessed that great power. A strange power soared within Trixie and her friends, causing the Rainbow Wand to crackle with energy. Corona watched the scene with interest, not even a little afraid, not knowing what power she faced. It was the Power of Friendship, its might far beyond even the alicorn’s understanding.

The energy within them intensified, making their eyes glow pure white, overcome with dazzling power, the colour returned to Dash’s mane. They pointed the Rainbow Wand towards Corona and unleashed the Power of Friendship. A rainbow beam emerged from the magical wand, brighter and more spectacular than the one Flitter Flutter had summoned the previous day. It stuck Corona full in the chest, making her wince in pain.

Much to everyone’s shock, Corona’s grimace of pain turned into howling laughter as the rainbow faded, leaving the evil alicorn unharmed.

“How?” The Rainbow Wand dropped from Trixie’s hoof, shattering on the ground below turning to sand. Minty bellowed a scream of despair.

“Foalish Trixie. Did you really expect to defeat me with a fraud?” Corona said, stifling her laughter.

“F-fraud?” What had gone wrong? Deep in her soul, Trixie had known the Power of Friendship was real.

“Yes, a fraud. The Power of Friendship is a fearsome force, but fake friends can’t tap its power.” Corona said, her tone mocking.

“Fake friends?” Trixie’s head whirled and spun, threatening to topple her over. Minty and the others were her friends, weren’t they?

“No!” Minty grabbed at her head, bending down. “Why can’t you leave me alone? Why can’t I stop you!”

“Foalish little Minty,” Corona said, her tone sickly sweet. “You can never be rid of me. I am your shadow, your nightmare. It doesn’t matter how far you run or where you go. I will always find you.”

“Minty?” What was Corona talking about? How could her best friend have any connection to that monster? Yet, in her gut, Trixie knew the alicorn wasn’t lying.

“You know less about your best friend than you think, Trixie,” Corona said. “She’s been lying to you all along!”

“No!” Minty screamed. “Leave us alone!”

Corona flew high into the air. “I exist to destroy everything you hold precious.” A ball of fire formed before the alicorn’s horn and exploded. Bolts of fire shot in every direction. It flew far across the land, touching every distant spot it could. Much to Trixie’s dread, a spark landed in Ponyville.

“What?!” Trixie stepped back in shock as a lick of flame struck Corona’s castle, causing the stone building to burst into flame.

That wasn’t the only impossibility. Everything Corona’s fire touched lit on fire, regardless of its substance. Entire chunks of Willy Nilly Mountain were burning. Trixie’s friends yelped in fear, backing away as the fire came closer and the sky soon became choked with smoke.

“How are you doing this?!” Trixie said, yelling towards the hazy image of Corona in the sky.

“I am the Sun. Everything I touch burns and is reduced to cinders. You better run, my little ponies. Else you get caught in its flame too.” Corona bellowed hollowing, mocking laughter, and Trixie and her friends fled for their lives.

They coughed and wheezed as they fled. Impossibly the fire kept spreading out of control, threatening to engulf the entire mountain. Trixie pushed her hooves to their limits, wincing as she landed awkwardly after being forced to jump over a burning bush, but continued forward anyway. What a nightmare. How the hay was this happening?

Somepony screamed and yelped behind them. Trixie’s eyes widened as a terrible sight beheld her. Rainbow Dash had taken a wrong step and tumbled forward, smashing her head into a rock. Shiny black liquid oozed from her head. Worse, fire moved to surround their friend.

“Rainbow!” Pinkie said, alarmed. She climbed back up to rescue her friend.

“No, go. Save yourself.” Rainbow Dash said weakly, but her pink friend refused to listen. Fire licked at their friend’s hooves. Much to Trixie’s shock, Rainbow Dash's body started to burn like it was created from paper.

Undeterred, Pinkie refused to abandon her friend, reaching for the mare and tried pulling her to safety.

“Pinkie Pie!” Trixie screamed in horror, and the fire spread to Pinkie Pie too.

“I’m sorry, Rainbow. I couldn’t save you.” Pinkie Pie said, wearing a sad smile surrounded by flame as her mane burned.

“It’s quite alright, darling.” Rainbow Dash replied. “If I were to die, I don’t mind it being with you.”

“Pinkie Pie! Rainbow Dash!” Trixie lost it, running to her friend’s aid. Only Spike’s and Razzaroo’s powerful arms stopped her.

“No, the fire will get you too!” Spike struggled under Trixie’s desperate squirming. Eventually, her strength left her. They watched helplessly as the fire completely consumed their friends, burning them away like they’d never existed.

“We can’t do anything. No, no, no.” Razzaroo’s ears drooped.

“No!” Trixie howled an anguished cry, tears blinding her sight. She didn’t fight as her friends pulled her away.

“What do we do, Spike?” Minty asked. “The fire. It won’t stop spreading!”

Spike’s mouth was a grim line. “Let’s get to safety. It’s the best we can do. Can you carry Trixie?” he asked Minty.

“I’m fine!” Trixie ripped Spike’s claws away. “I can run.”

Corona, you will pay for this! Pay! How dare you. How dare you!

They fled for their lives. Thankfully, running down the mountain was much quicker than climbing, and they soon outpaced the fire. Trixie’s body was spent by the time they reached the bottom, but there wasn’t time to celebrate. The fire had no interest in stopping, eagerly consuming everything it could touch. Much to Trixie’s dread, even the ground itself started to burn.

What kind of magic was this? Would it eventually consume all of Ponyland? Beyond?

“I don’t think I can run any longer,” Minty said, wheezing and breathless.

“We’ll rest.” Spike slumped against a nearby tree. “We have time until it reaches us.”

“What then, though?! What then?” Trixie said hysteria in her voice. “The fire won’t stop. Running won’t help us if there isn’t a place to run to!” Much to Trixie’s horror, distant Ponyville was in flames. The fire continued to spread out of control there too.

Spike said nothing, looking away. He’d also surmised how hopeless their situation was.

“There must be something! Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo paced in place, gathering her thoughts. “We just need to find it! Yes, yes, yes!”

“You!” Trixie turned towards Minty, a snarl on her face. “You caused this! Corona did this to hurt you!”

“I, well…” Minty backed away, never seeing her best friend this angry before.

“Because of you, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie died!” Trixie’s blood boiled out of control and held nothing back.

“I…” Tears welled in Minty’s eyes. “I never meant for this to happen.”

“It isn’t Minty’s fault. No, no, no.” Razzaroo said, her tone soothing. “Corona is the monster that started this fire.”

“She knows something!” Trixie refused to be placated. Too much had happened. “She’s been hiding something this entire time. Why is Corona attacking Ponyland, Minty?! Spill!”

“I… well…”

“You haven’t figured it out?” Corona said, her tone mocking. From nowhere, she appeared, dropping into the field where they were resting. “I thought Luna’s personal student would be more clever than that. Though, considering what Minty did to your mind, it shouldn’t be surprising.”

Luna’s student? “Corona. Come to finish us, have you?” Trixie deflated, too tired to fight or argue.

“You keep saying that? What do you mean? Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo said, bold as ever.

“It’s best I show you.” Everypony gasped in shock as Corona’s horn lit with a golden aura, lifting a helpless Spike into the air. He screamed for help, but nopony was quick enough to stop Corona from her next cruel act. She shredded him to pieces with her magic. Trixie gasped in surprise as the dragon was reduced to scraps of paper.

“What?!” Trixie said, breathless.

“Haven’t you figured it out yet? This entire world is an illusion.” Corona said. “And you, Trixie, are its prisoner.”

Chapter 4

“A prisoner, me?” Trixie’s head whirled, wanting to deny this obvious fiction, but her adamant refusal froze on her lips. Could it be true? Was this an illusionary world? It sounded impossible to be true, insane even. Yet doubt had been an ever-present itch, refusing to be silent.

Why can't anything make sense? My life can't be a lie, right?" Trixie clutched at her head, pain throbbing her temples.

“No, don’t listen to her!” Minty tugged at Trixie’s front leg. “She’s just trying to confuse you! You’re my best friend, always have been.”

“F-friend?” Was she Minty’s best friend? An enemy? Trixie couldn’t tell anymore. Much to her surprise, Razzaroo got into Minty’s face.

“You haven’t been truthful to Trixie, have you? No, no, no!” Razzaroo said, her tone stern.

“No, I!” Minty shook her head, but couldn’t hide her guilty look.

“Pathetic. So desperate for friends, she trapped an innocent pony in her lies.” Corona said. Around them, the flames encroached closer. Corona's horn flared to life, trapping them in a flickering barrier of light while Ponyland burned.

"Impossible." Trixie's breath caught as the flames sparked from the mountain to the sky itself, setting it aflame.

Despite her fear, anger burned in Trixie’s soul, seeing the truth behind Corona’s words. Minty had foalnapped her, hadn’t she? Trapping her in some saccharine fairy world, a prisoner to a fake friendship. How cruel. How evil. And Corona was the villain here? Minty backed away upon catching Trixie’s expression. The pain in her head intensified, trying to pacify her, but Trixie refused to submit any further.

“What have you done, Minty? You did this, didn’t you?" Trixie's eyes blazed, venom spitting from her mouth. You’re the reason I’m trapped in this pithole? I hate you!”

“Well, well. It seems you’re all alone again, Minty.” Corona said, her tone mocking. “You drove away your last friend. How sad.”

“Trixie, no!” Tears flowed freely down Minty’s cheeks. “I never meant for this to happen. I only wanted to make you happy!”

Before Trixie could offer another biting retort, Razzaroo put a comforting hoof on Minty’s hoof. “Minty, isn’t it about time you apologized and told Trixie the truth? You’ve really hurt her. Yes, yes, yes!”

“But!” Minty started to protest, but Razzaroo held up a hoof.

“You did a bad thing, Minty. These secrets are poisoning you both from the inside. Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo said. “If you truly wish to be Trixie’s friend, you first need to be honest with her. Yes, yes, yes!”

The fire continued to spread, consuming everything it touched. Almost all of Ponyland and beyond had burned to cinders. Only their tiny island remained in existence.

“I… okay. I’ll tell her everything.” Minty hugged her green blanket for support. Trixie watched the mare, waiting for an explanation of all the suffering she’d put Trixie through.

“When I said I didn’t mean for this to happen, I meant it,” Minty’s ears folded behind her head. “I’ve never had any real friends. I’ve always admired you, Trixie. You’re my star! The greatest, most spectacular pony I’ve ever met! So brave, courageous, nothing like me.”

“I didn’t mean to drag you here.” Minty gave an adamant shake of her head. “I just found a strange book one day. It just showed at the end of my bed. I thought it was a gift from my dad!” “

“I just started drawing into it!” Minty hugged her green scarf tighter. “I made up pretend adventures about us living together in an imaginary world. I never expected it to become real. That she could show up here!” Minty unleashed an involuntary shudder when she referenced Corona. “I only wanted some friends!”

“Well, you didn’t need to include me in this!” Trixie gave a stubborn lift of her head.

“Be nice, Trixie. Minty didn’t mean to hurt you. No, no no!” Razzaroo said.

“It still doesn’t fix things.” Despite the explanation, Trixie remained furious, the lies and betrayal cutting too deep.

“Well done. The truth has illuminated things, but it seems you’re no longer necessary. Fake Element of Honesty.” Helpless Trixie watched as Corona dropped her barrier and fire consumed the rest of reality that remained with its ravenous appetite.

Razzaroo yelped in surprise as the fire suddenly swept over her. Trixie screamed, horrified to lose another friend, illusionary or not. She ran to her friend’s aid, trying to beat out the flames with her cape. But they continued to feed upon Razzaroo, refusing to cease gorging on their final meal. Minty only sobbed to herself, helpless to save their mutual friend. Razzaroo, however, accepted her death with a smile and courage.

“Stay with Minty, Trixie. She needs you. Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo closed her eyes, and the fire burned her to ash, leaving nothing behind.

“Razzaroo!” Tears welled in Trixie’s eyes, threatening to consume her in grief. She grabbed at the ashes, trying desperately to hold the remains of her friend. The world burned until not even the ashes remained, leaving only the empty void. The only three beings remaining in existence were Trixie, Minty, and their Corona.

“Why didn’t you burn away?!” Trixie snarled, directing her ire towards her tormentor.

“I am the sun! I am eternal!” Corona replied, smug in her superiority. “I am a nightmare. The terror I bring forth is inescapable!” Minty trembled, hooves covering her head.

“What now? Float in nothing forever?” Trixie raised her head, giving her best haughty expression. “You’ve destroyed everything! Brilliant plan.”

Corona snorted. “Never fear. There are more nightmares to come. The suffering has only begun!”

Trixie screamed and backed away as fire gathered around her before grabbing her throat in a vice-like grip. She howled in agony as it burned her skin.

“Trixie!” Minty screamed in alarm.

“Never fear,” Corona said, her tone mock sweetness. “I’m not planning to kill her. I haven’t had my fun yet.”

The agony increased tenfold before the flames rushed into her mouth. Trixie’s eyes blazed white and darkness consumed her.

“A deep yawn escaped Trixie’s lips as she threw open her window. Bright, loving sunlight filled her house. The cloudless sky promised another perfect day.

“What a wonderful day!” Trixie’s mouth extended into a wide, delighted grin.

“Yes, yes, yes! What a wonderful day indeed!” Razzaroo gave Trixie a friendly wave, walking up to her window. “It will become more perfect when the First Rainbow Celebration begins! Yes, yes, yes!”

Trixie blinked. “That’s today?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo giggled. “Why else do you think we’re decorating the town?” Sure enough, ponies around Ponyville were hanging rainbow-colored banners across anything capable of holding one Trixie smirked in amusement as a pony slipped and the balloons he’d been attempting to attach to a bench floated away, out of reach.

“I…” Trixie paused, uncertain how she’d missed such an important holiday. Was she always so forgetful?

“Trixie?” Razzaroo gave Trixie a curious tilt of her head.

Trixie laughed, knocking the side of her head. “I had a bad dream last night. I don’t think I’ve fully awakened from it yet. Anyway, I better leave before I miss everything!”

Today would indeed be a fantastic day!

Despite her eagerness for the ceremony, Trixie's mind wandered, bored. She’d heard this speech before.

I wonder what tricks I should perform today. It annoyed Trixie that she had nothing planned, but she’d just improvise. It was a must-have skill for any stage performer. Where could she get a manticore at such short notice? She was dying to perform the infamous Hoofdini trick: “The Moonshot Manticore Mouth Dive”. A jostling pulled Trixie away from her musings.

“Come on, Trixie. Pay attention! Mayor Flitter Flutter worked hard to write this speech!” Minty said, slightly exasperated.

“Okay.” Trixie turned her head, eyes elated as the mayor withdrew the Rainbow Rod from its casing.

Funny, it isn’t rainbow-colored. Even its star didn’t contain any rainbow. Unusual name aside, Trixie didn’t complain, as a spectacular rainbow appeared from its tip. A sharp pain jabbed at Trixie’s mind, causing her to stumble.

“Are you okay Trixie darling?” Rainbow Dash said, helping her friend to hooves.

“I’m not sure.” She continued to stare at the rainbow, strange emotions whirling inside her. Unexpected tears slid down her face. For reasons Trixie couldn’t explain, crushing loneliness threatened to consume her, stabbing daggers into her heart.

“I’m sorry, Ditzy. I’ve been out of sorts since I’ve woken up.” Trixie leaned against Minty for support.

“Ditzy?” Rainbow Dash blinked. “I’m not sure who you mean, darling.”

Pinkie Pie rubbed her chin. “It’s a name I don’t recognize and I know everypony in Ponyville!”

“Spectacular! Let this rainbow be a promise for a bright and prosperous year!” Flitter Flutter said, continuing her speech while Trixie dithered.

I’m such a mess today. I can’t even recognize my own friends! Trixie’s self-admonishment was interrupted, jerking to attention as Minty screamed.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep!” A voice said, its tone mocking.

“It can’t be.” Minty’s entire body froze in terror. Ponies gasped in surprise as the princess of the sun appeared before them, shining with brilliant radiance. With flight not unlike a dance, she landed on the raised platform.

“Corona!” Trixie said, glaring at the sun princess with defiance. What was she doing here? How had she escaped Queen Luna’s eternal prison?

“No, not again, please!” Minty broke into terrified sobs.

“Oh, but I must.” Corona purred, ponies backing away in terror as she approached. “Everypony’s suffering gives much such pleasure.” Mayor Flitter Flutter yelped in surprise as something tore the Rainbow Wand from her hooves.

“And I’ll start by stealing the precious things you love, one by one.” Corona waved the wand in her magical golden aura, tearing the rainbow from reality, and everything rainbow-colored darkened into gray. Rainbow Dash screamed and wobbled on her hooves as the color seeped from her mane, and Trixie caught her before she collapsed.

“Speaking of precious things.” Corona’s horn lit with brilliant golden energy and the world around them shook. Dear Luna, she was stealing the entire castle! Somehow, everypony escaped unscathed after they rushed to safety.

“That jerk!” Pinkie Pie seethed in anger.

“My precious mane!” Rainbow Dash wailed in anguish after her new mane color. Trixie only rolled her eyes. Who cared when an insane alicorn was on the loose?! They broke into an extensive argument about their next action.

“We need to chase after her!” Pinkie Pie said, stomping a hoof for emphasis. “We need to stop her before she does anything worse!”

Yeah, great! Except she has magic we can’t even begin to comprehend! With her crazy strong magic, she’d stolen an entire castle! But Trixie didn’t voice her concern, not wanting to cause undue panic. She couldn’t deny Corona needed to be stopped and paused, a frown creasing her forehead.

Something about this entire situation seemed strikingly familiar. Like she’d been here before. What nonsense. Whatever the case, Trixie resisted Pinkie Pie’s suicidally crazy plan to chase after Corona. It took considerable effort from her friends to convince her otherwise, and their motley crew took to the road. An odd hope filled her heart as her hooves walked across the main road.

For reasons Trixie couldn’t explain, an unwaivable certainty filled her, and she trusted her gut. And why not? With her friends by her side, how could Corona defeat them?

“A deep yawn escaped Trixie’s lips as she threw open her window. Bright, loving sunlight filled her house. The cloudless sky promised another perfect day.

“What a wonderful day!” Trixie’s mouth extended into a wide, delighted grin. It mortified Trixie that she’d forgotten such a special date. Razzaroo lightly teased her about this, and Trixie left to find her best friend, Minty.

She must have gone ahead. Trixie paused, feeling a strange sense of deja vu. Trixie wandered their best friend’s home, hoping to catch her and not chance her around the entirety of Ponyville.

“Hello?” Minty place was a disaster area as usual. Her best friend had some difficulty picking up after herself, leaving clothes and toys littered around the place. It struck Trixie how green the upholstery was, matching Minty’s favorite color. To complete the green overload, vibrant plants stood everywhere. Unlike the mess she’d left everywhere, the precious plants received loving care and Trixie noted the specks of water left from her gentle watering.

Pinned across a pinboard were crudely drawn pictures of Minty and Trixie. The two wore happy, eager smiles as they partook in various adventures. The cute scene made Trixie smile, but she frowned, sensing something familiar about the scenes depicted in colored pencil.

Something else caught Trixie’s attention. her nose detected an unusual scent that clashed with her surroundings. It seemed familiar, but its name eluded her. Was this some new cleaning product her best friend had purchased? Her head spun, momentarily confused.

Surely she’d visited Minty’s home many times. So why did everything feel so foreign, like her best friend was a stranger? The doubt continued to bubble to the surface, refusing to be submerged.

“Are you okay, Trixie? Yes, yes, yes!” Concern crept into Razzaroo’s usually upbeat voice as she caught Trixie stumbling with uncertain hooves down the street.

“Do you ever feel nothing is real?” Trixie replied. “Like you’re spinning in circles without a destination?”

“Can’t say I have. But is something bothering you, Trixie? Yes, yes, yes!”

Trixie opened her mouth to reply but suddenly felt her concerns being washed away. An inner voice waved away her doubts, calling them silly and unimportant. While Trixie agreed with the sentiment, her doubt refused to fully dislodge itself.

“I just feel lost.” The words spilled from Trixie’s mouth, unbidden. But she couldn’t deny them, realizing how much her uncertainties had eaten her inside from within.

Razzaroo considered the matter before taking Trixie by the hoof. “Then you need to find an anchor. Yes, yes, yes!”

Which would be my best friend Minty, obviously! Trixie paused. Despite her bold proclamation, it held a twinge of doubt she hadn’t meant to speak. A strange sensation of slipping struck her, finding herself unsteady on her imaginary hooves. Despair gripped Trixie’s heart. Am I lost forever?

She jerked in surprise as a deafening rumble interrupted her dark musings and gapped in shock as a golden glow stole away Ponyville’s castle. Dread made her legs tremble as she spotted who was towing away the building. It was impossible. It couldn’t be true. Corona?

A cruel laugh escaped the fallen princess’s lips, taking delight in Ponyville’s inability to stop her. Despite the distance, their eyes locked and Corona gave Trixie a mocking smile before disappearing with her prize into the clouds.

“That was Corona!” Trixie said, almost hysterical.

“That jerk! She ruined the festivities and stole the Rainbow Wand!” Pinkie Pie said, cradling a terrified Minty. Was she okay? What happened?

“Rainbow Wand?”

“I’m afraid so, darling.” Trixie’s eyes widened to saucers upon seeing Rainbow Dash’s once unique and vibrate mane. “That brute. I know she’s evil, but this is pushing it. She only did it to be cruel.”

“Yeah.” Minty’s eyes fell. “I like rainbows. They’re like a promise for a better future. That’s what my dad says, anyway.”

Inspiration struck Trixie, filling her with absolute certainty, which she clung to with frantic desperation. “We have to save the Rainbow Wand. It’s our only hope in stopping her!”

Rainbow Dash blinked. “You certain, darling? Losing my mane color is a terrible tragedy, but I doubt it will help stop Corona.”

“We must get it back!” Trixie raced after the alicorn had stolen their castle.

“Hey, wait for us!” Trixie’s other friends chased after her.

This is it! I’ve found my anchor! Nothing about her conclusions made any sense, but it didn’t matter. The Rainbow Wand’s magic was real and her only salvation.

“And we’re just charging inside, darling?” Rainbow Dash asked, stunned at her friend’s unusually brash behavior.

“Commendable, if somewhat foolhardy,” Spike added, shaking his head.

“Only the Rainbow Wand can defeat Corona!” Trixie said, standing on her hind legs, limbs flailing every which way.

“Yes, you’ve made that point several times. Yes, yes, yes.” Razzaroo sighed, knowing her chastising would fall on deaf ears. Trixie’s bones told her was on the correct course. The biggest issue was retrieving it without getting burned to a crisp from an enraged alicorn. The night sky was already getting brighter and only a scant hour remained until sunrise. They couldn’t afford to waste any time.

“Okay, let’s go!” Pinkie Pie said. “But we take the stealthy approach.”

“Who do you take me for? The Great and Powerful Trixie is unseen like the wind!” Trixie replied, insulted. Her horn glowed azure and cloaked them in invisibility.

Another sense of deja vu struck Trixie as they explored the castle. It both seemed familiar but wasn’t. A contradiction that unnerved her, but didn’t break her resolution. A light snorting caught her attention, and they spotted Corona sleeping in a palatial bed.

“Watch my back!” Without waiting for a reply, Trixie charged inside, bold as ever.

Besides Corona on a stand was the Rainbow Wand, its surface glinting in the faint light coming from the rising sun. An unexpected fear overwhelmed Trixie as she lifted a hoof to steal back her target. It was like reaching toward the waiting mouth of a cobra, and Trixie’s usual confidence broke.

What the hey am I doing?! Corona won’t just let me steal the Rainbow Wand from under her nose. She’ll slaughter me the moment she opens her eyes! This isn’t some game. What had possessed her to mount this foalish quest, anyway?

Yet, when her eyes passed over the Rainbow Wand, an unexplained spark of hope flared in her heart. It pained her to be so close, yet miles away from her goal. Getting closer only intensified her fear, but Trixie fought on. Madding terror made her breath unsteady as her hoof brushed against the Rainbow Wand’s surface. The agony of her terror was so powerful, Trixie’s legs buckled beneath her and she collapsed to the carpeted floor. Red light blanketed the room as the sun rose higher.

“Trixie! Are you okay? Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo rushed to Trixie’s side and restored her friend to her hooves.

“I believe so,” Trixie said, unable to look Razzaroo in the eye shamefaced. “I couldn’t take it.”

“That’s because you’re trying to solve your problems by yourself. Yes, yes, yes!” Razzaroo replied. “Don’t worry. You have your friends to help you. Yes, yes, yes!”

My friends? Something about that struck Trixie as poignant. Had she been forgetting about her friends? Something inside her doubted the validity of their friendship. Why was that? Why was she forgetting ponies who’d known her for years? Trixie clutched at her head, more confused than ever. Yet, being around Razzaroo somehow made Trixie feel less lost. Together, they pushed through the fear barrier and gripped the Rainbow Wand. They’d done it!

“Yes, very impressive.” Corona purred, standing above them, light from the new day shining behind her. Or was it a new nightmare?

“Trixie, Razzaroo!” Trixie’s other friends burst into the bedroom, rushing to their friend’s aid.

“Corona, you’re finished!” Trixie pointed the Rainbow Wand at Corona with a shaky hoof.

“Oh Trixie, how many times must we play this scenario?” Corona said. “How many times must you fail before you realize victory is impossible?”

“Times I failed?” Trixie’s brow furrowed. With the Rainbow Wand, shouldn’t they have the key to victory? Yet, her doubt remained, wavering her resolve.

“Ha! You don’t know who you’re messing with!” Pinkie Pie put a confident hoof on the Rainbow Wand. “Us six friends together have beaten every challenge we’ve faced so far, and we’ll beat you too!”

“Friend? You’re fakes. Deep down, you must realize the truth.” A cruel, mocking smile appeared on Corona’s lips and she stared right towards Minty, who collapsed in abject terror.

“Leave Minty alone,” Spike cried, using his body as a barrier against Corona.

“Never.” Corona’s cruel smile grew. “For her, the nightmares will never end. She knows how foalish and pointless these heroics truly are. Around and around she goes, landing nowhere.”

A horrifying realization struck Trixie, and the Rainbow Wand slipped from her hoof. “We’ve done this before!” The Magic of Friendship had failed and would continue to fail forever.

“Oh yes. Forever and ever, lost in an inescapable maze without an exit.” Corona threw her head back and cackled.

“No! No more, please!” Minty sobbed, a broken mare.

“You leave her alone!” Pinkie Pie took a protective step around Minty, but Corona’s eyes passed around the mare like she didn’t exist, instead focusing her attention on Trixie.

“What now, hero?” Corona said. “Aren’t you going to help your friend? Blast me futility with the Magic of Friendship?”

Horrible memories returned unbidden, reminding Trixie how fake their friendship was. And Minty was the cause, trapping them in this torment forever. The horrible mare had forced Trixie into a friendship she’d never wanted. It sickened her soul. Corona was right. What was the point of this?

“Yes.” Corona’s words were honey. “Shall I take this pain from you? Should I just end it all? No more games? No more fake adventures and heroics?”

Minty continued to sob, but Trixie already knew her answer. She was just a fake pony without a purpose. This needed to end. Before Trixie could open her mouth, something hard pushed into her hoof. It was the Rainbow Wand.

“Trixie darling, you can’t give up!” Tears were in Rainbow Dash’s eyes, smearing her eyeliner. “You still have ponies that care about you! Even if you can’t see it!”

“Rainbow Dash.”

“You aren’t alone. Even if we are fakes, our friendship isn’t! Yes, yes, yes.” Razzaroo helped Trixie grip the Rainbow Wand tighter.

“We’re here for you. We’ll stick by you whatever the cost.” Spike added his claw to the pile.

“Yeah, let’s kick Corona’s butt!” Pinkie Pie said, joining the group. “You do matter! Both of you! You can’t give up!”

“Guys…” A strange spark appeared in Trixie’s center. She’d felt this spark each time they’d faced Corona, but this time it felt more powerful than ever. The alicorn accused these four of being fake friends. Yet, in her heart, Trixie knew that wasn’t true. Only one puzzle piece remained to complete this puzzle.

Trixie released the Rainbow Wand and stood over Minty. The mare trembled under her gaze, fearful Trixie would lash out at her. She grimaced as Trixie’s hoof approached her.

“I forgive you.” Trixie’s voice barely rose above a whisper, yet it seemed like she’d shouted it from the peak of a mountain.

Minty’s eyes widened. “You do? You said you hated me.”

“I was just being stupid. Ponies say dumb things when they’re angry.” Trixie lifted Minty from the cold hard floor with a gentle hoof. “We can’t do this without you. You need to believe we can defeat her with all your heart. Otherwise, the magic won’t work.”

Corona snorted, breaking into uproarious laughter. “Give me a break. She knows she can’t be free of me. I will haunt her for the rest of her days!”

“No! And we’ll help her.” Trixie stood her ground against this nightmare. “You’re nothing but fear and lies! And Minty has the power to dispel you.”

“I do?” While still fearful, the mare was listening.

“Remember when we got lost on the mountain? You banished our fears and encouraged us to push forward. Corona?” Trixie snorted, making the nightmare seem like a joke. “How is she any different?”

Laughter was hope. It encouraged ponies despite the bleakness of their situation. While it didn’t banish away your troubles, it lifted your spirits, making sure you didn’t lose sight of what truly mattered.

“I can do this!” Minty said in wonder and started directly towards Corona. A wide, delighted smile filled her face. “You don’t have any power over me. Not when I have my friends behind me.”

“No, it’s only lies!” Corona roared her smug expression vanishing and turning desperate.

Minty pulled Trixie towards the Rainbow Wand. “Thank you, Trixie. I think I can face my nightmare now.”

There was an explosion of dazzling light, making Trixie flinch. A drop of water struck the stone window. Those drops increased in frequency until they became almost a monsoon. Then, as suddenly as it appeared, the rain stopped and a brilliant rainbow replaced it. It stretched far across the horizon, its multitude of colors more vibrant and alive than Trixie had ever seen.

They watched in amazement as the color slowly restored in Rainbow Dash’s mane, glowing the same radiance as the rainbow outside. Overjoyed, the mare pranced around and grabbed each of her friends, spinning them around and dancing with them.

“No! This can’t be!” Corona whined in fear, backing away several steps. “I own this world. The Power of Friendship shouldn’t be possible here! Not with you fakes!”

“Fakes? Funny. What about you? You’re an even greater lie. You aren’t even the real Corona.” Trixie sported a cocky grin and pointed the Rainbow Wand towards the nightmare. “And we’re done with you. Goodbye.”

“No! No!” Corona almost ran in circles in terror, desperate to save herself. She howled in pain as the rainbow struck her, no longer the joke she’d assumed it was. Light consumed the shadow that constituted her being until she ceased to be.

“We did it,” Minty said, unable to believe her own words. “We won!” With abandon, Minty frolicked around the room. Tears of joy streaked down her face.

“Ha! Was there any doubt?” While her tone was smug, tears still pricked at Trixie’s eyes. The nightmare was over. She blinked as everything began losing substance, fading and losing its color.

“What’s going on?!” Had they not defeated Corona after all? The degeneration continued to spread, everything hardening into a dark brown. Trixie gasped as the brown crumbled away like aged paper, unable to escape the ravages of time.

“Corona wasn’t lying. This entire world is an illusion. Yes, yes, yes.” A sad smile appeared on Razzaroo’s face. Her violet fur faded into a yellowish tint before hardening around the edges into brown. “It’s time for you to wake up. Yes, yes, yes.”

“No! It’s too soon! We just got free! There are so many adventures we haven’t done yet! We didn’t even have time to play some First Rainbow Celebration games!” Minty desperately clutched as Razzaroo, but the mare only crumbled quicker, broken to pieces by her friend’s tight grip.

“Yeah, this can’t be happening!” Trixie couldn’t bear losing her friends again. Not so soon!

“It’s okay.” Pinkie Pie said with a giggle, determined to go out smiling. “Nothing lasts forever, but that’s okay.”

“Yeah, just don’t forget us, okay?” Spike gave a self-satisfied smile. The same smile that always infuriated Trixie. “It would be rather rude if you forget someone as dazzling and grand as myself.”

“I’m sorry, darlings, but it would be cruel to keep you here.” Rainbow Dash said. “Remember, you have lives, ponies you care about. And they need you.” The castle had almost vanished, revealing a crumbling Ponyland beneath. Soon nothing would remain.

“But!” Trixie wanted to protest, but Rainbow Dash raised a hoof to forestall her. Her body had folded into itself, evaporating before Trixie’s eyes. Or was that the effect of Trixie’s tears? It was impossible to tell. Trixie gasped in surprise as Rainbow Dash and Razzaroo pushed Minty and her together, making them hold hooves.

“And don’t forget each other, either.” Rainbow Dash said. “We’re just an illusion, but you’re the ones who really matter.”

“Yeah! Stick together okay!” Pinkie Pie added. Her body continued further, leaving only a crumpled piece of her face remaining, but it still remained smiling. “You don’t have to go alone.”

“I’ll never forget you, any of you!” The tears made vision almost impossible, and Trixie wiped them clear so she couldn’t lose sight of them.

“I love you all!” Tender tears flowed down Minty’s cheeks.

“Goodbye.”

The sky, the land, everything lost its substance, and Trixie’s legs flailed as she plummeted into the endless blackness beneath. She tried holding onto Minty, but her hooves slipped, unable to keep hold of her friends. Minty screamed in terror and Trixie continued to fall, consumed by the darkness.

Chapter 5

Trixie jerked up and screamed as she toppled out of her bed. A jolt of pain shot through her spine, but Trixie barely noticed, having more important matters.

“Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Razzaroo, Minty!” Trixie’s head darted around, but only found her room. It was messy as ever, with random equipment from her magic acts scattered everywhere. Hadn’t Rainbow Dash always teased her about her messiness?

“I have to find them! I need to find them!” Trixie jerked up, desperate to reunite with her friends.

“Oh, you’re finally awake now.” A blue unicorn peeked into her room. “It’s almost two. Isn’t this a bit lazy even for you?”

It took a moment, but Trixie placed this stallion’s name. “Pokey?”

Pokey eyed his boss’s dilapidated state with amusement, noting the tears in her eyes. “I popped my head in earlier, you were tossing and turning the entire time. Were you having another nightmare? Was it the one about the ducks?”

“It doesn’t matter!” Trixie ignored her assistant’s jabs and grabbed her trademark cape. “I need to find my friends!”

“Without even taking a bath first?” Pokey said, scandalized. “Or lunch? Are you okay? You aren’t acting yourself.”

Pokey’s words barely registered as Trixie barreled out her front door towards Ponyville Square. “I need to find my friends!”

After some diligent searching, Trixie finally found a familiar face. In her postmare outfit, she was putting some letters into a mailbox and waved as Trixie approached.

“Rainbow Dash! Thank Luna, you’re okay!”

The mare blinked, unsure she’d heard her friend right. “That’s a new one. No, I’m Ditzy, remember?”

“Huh? Are you sure?” That couldn’t be right.

“Yes, Trixie. That’s Rainbow Dash over there.” The walleyed mare pointed towards a sporty-looking mare with a messy rainbow-colored mane.

Trixie gasped, aghast. “That can’t be right! She has no style at all!”

“What’s with you, Trixie?” Rainbow Dash snorted, both amused and insulted. “Who do you think I am, Rarity? What’s with you? You need your eyes checked!” Much to Trixie’s astonishment, the mare took to the air with her wings after flicking a dismissive tail towards Trixie.

“She’s a pegasus?! I’d thought they were just a legend!” Trixie said, eyes wide.

“Trixie, I’m a pegasus too.” Trixie gapped as Ditzy extended gray wings from her back. “Are you okay? You aren’t acting like yourself.”

“I suppose not.” Trixie used a nearby bench to stabilize herself. Of course Ditzy was a pegasus, but it still seemed so wrong somehow.

“How about we go get a cupcake? You look like you need one!” Ditzy took Trixie’s hoof, guiding her towards a sweet shop.

“But what about your shift?” Trixie’s ears drooped.

“It can wait. A friend is more important.”

“Pinkie Pie! You are Pinkie Pie, right?” Trixie said as their waiter approached their table.

“Yippers! Last time I checked. Which is often.” Pinkie Pie bent forward, whispering with a conspiratorial air. “You never know when you might awake as somepony else! Or vice versa! It happens more than you’d think! Mostly on Fridays. May I get your order?”

“Just two blueberry muffins, please,” Ditzy replied, rolling her eyes.

Trixie blinked, unsure she’d understood half of the words spilling from the pink mare’s mouth. She hesitated, fearful of what answer she might receive. “Are we still friends, Pinkie?”

“Of course, Trixie!” Pinkie replied without hesitation. “Always and forever!”

“That’s good.” Trixie sighed in relief. While odder and more energetic than she’d remembered, it comforted Trixie that some things hadn’t changed. Pinkie Pie took their order and left.

“How about you tell me what’s wrong?” Ditzy studied Trixie’s features with concern. “Have you been crying?”

“I don’t know anymore.” Trixie slumped onto the table. “It’s hard to tell what’s real.”

“Just tell me when you’re ready.” Ditzy extended a comforting hoof. She brightened when she spotted a familiar face walking through the street. “Raindrops, over here! We have an emergency!”

“Raindrops?” Trixie blinked and peered at the jasmine mare approaching them. The bell dinged when she entered the bakery. “Don’t you mean Razzaroo?”

“Find a seat. I’ll be with you shortly!” Pinkie Pie yelled from a far room.

“Razzaroo?” Raindrops parroted, brow furrowed, fluttering her wings in consternation, startling Trixie. How common were pegasi in Ponyville? “What’s going on? Did Trixie hit her head?”

“She’s a little confused. So, I thought you, the truth master, might help set her straight!” Ditzy replied.

“I’ll do what I can.” Raindrop studied Trixie and blanched when she noticed how disheveled her friend was. Quite unlike the usually prim and proper student of Princess Luna, theoretically anyway. Bourbon usually changed that description.

Trixie coughed, trying to organize her thoughts in an orderly manner. After some consideration, she began her story. “It all began in the magical land of Ponyland. A rather spectacular and glamorous pony named Trixie Lulamoon woke from her bed, and to her horror, realized she’d forgotten it was a very special day.”

“Damn that Corona! Is there no depth she won’t sink?” Pinkie Pie said, fuming in rage, huffing out a frustrated breath. No, Trixie shook her head, not Pinkie Pie, Lyra. Her fellow unicorn had entered the conversation halfway, curious about her friend’s oddly serious expressions. “As if foalnapping wasn’t bad enough. She had to be behind this too! Evil picture books. It’s hard to believe.”

Raindrops gave a solemn nod. “It seems possible. How long were you stuck in that nightmare, you think?”

“I’d rather not think about it.” Trixie flinched, those terrible endless days repeating in her brain. With her waking mind, they had become clearer, making it seem like she’d lived several lifetimes. Was she even the same Trixie anymore? Despite her forced attempt at bravado, she felt fake, unreal.

“Wait a minute!” Lyra stood up, beaming as an idea struck her. “It was only a dream, right? So the memories should fade? In a few days, they shouldn’t be a problem.”

“I don’t want them to fade,” Trixie replied, her voice tight. Fake or not, there were memories she planned to cherish for the remainder of her days.

Before Lyra opened her mouth, Ditzy interrupted her, sensing an argument might start. “It’s understandable. We’ll just need to help her along until this Ponyville becomes home again!”

“Right. I have some scrapbooks at home she can have.” Raindrops said. “They have many memories and pictures I’ve collected since we’ve become friends. My mother's a photographer. I probably got the habit from her. It should help, right?”

“That’s so cute!” Ditzy gave the enormous, burly mare a playful elbow in the chest. “You’re such a softy, Raindrops!” The other mare didn’t reply, but her cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

“I know!” Lyra stood up, almost knocking over her chair. “Music connects with the mind, right? Be right back!”

“Pinkie Pie?” Trixie said, surprised, as her friend darted towards the door.

“Lyra! I have a plan. Raindrops isn’t the only pony with mementos! I’ll play you every song I’ve created since returning to Ponyville! You helped me write them! Sort of. Well, you gave me unhelpful critiques, but it should help return some memories, right?”

“I guess,” Trixie replied, baffled.

“She’s such a sweet dear too.” Ditzy sighed to herself. “I’m afraid my plan wasn’t as good. A tour of Ponyville seems lame in comparison. Nevermind, I’ll make sure Carrot Top and Cheerilee are caught up to speed. They might have some ideas.”

“Guys, I…” Was this what the other Pinkie Pie meant when she said Trixie had ponies back home who cared about her? Dang, it. Was she crying again? Her mood darkened again when a pony she’d almost forgotten about returned to her thoughts.

“I’m more worried about Minty,” Trixie said, her mood gloomy. “I hope she’s okay. She was real in the dream too.”

“Minty?” Ditzy frowned, her brow creased in consternation. “That sounds familiar.”

“Minty, huh? I know a pony by that name!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Pinkie, could you not eavesdrop on a pony’s conversation?” Ditzy said, slightly annoyed. She’d been hovering around their table the entire time, enraptured by Trixie’s story.

“Where?” Trixie jerked awake, eyes hopeful.

“At the Ponyville hospital. She’s very sick.” Pinkie replied.

“I have to go see her!” Trixie said, meaning every word. This was just what her dream friends had advised her about!

“Wait!” Ditzy said, throwing some bits onto their table and chasing after her friend. Raindrops only sighed and plotted behind.

“It’s kind of you to visit Ms. Lulamoon.” Nurse Redheart said as they wandered through the Ponyville hospital. The sharp scent of antiseptic struck Trixie’s nostrils. “She doesn’t get nearly enough visitors. And I can tell she’ll be ecstatic to see you!”

“Anything for a fan.” Trixie’s words caught in her throat, her heart was beating a million miles an hour. This was it.

They entered a small room. Laying on a bed with pure white sheets was a mint green filly. Her head was shaved completely bald, her face gaunt and sickly. In her tiny hooves she held a green safety blanket.

“Minty, you have a visitor.” The nurse said, her voice gentle.

“Trixie, you came!” While ecstatic, her voice was weak, barely above a whisper.

“I’m so glad you came! My daughter’s a huge fan!” A burly stallion approached and shook Trixie’s hoof. He was a purple stallion with a bright green mane. On his flank were two candy canes crossed together.

Trixie’s eyes wandered around the room. Across the floor were toys scattered everywhere, but what caught her attention were the childlike pictures on the pinboard. They showed Trixie and Minty on various adventures. One depicted the pair crossing a scary forest. While another showed them hiking over a mighty mountain towards a distant castle. The last had them holding hooves beneath an expansive rainbow.

“Oh, those.” Minty’s father rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry about that. I like to tell her stories. I sort of add you to most of them. You’re her hero.”

“Me?” Trixie said, surprised.

Minty’s father gave an enthused nod. “Of course, you saved my daughter from Corona. She was one of the foals the mad alicorn kidnapped after escaping the sun. I owe you my eternal gratitude for saving her.”

Peering closer, Minty looked familiar. Yes, Minty was there back when Trixie first met her friends, a tiny presence amongst many other terrified ponies.

“She still has nightmares about it.” Minty’s father gave a tired sigh.

“I’m so happy you came to visit.” Minty blinked back tears. “I was scared you might hate me.”

Trixie pulled a chair next to her best fan and placed a comforting hoof on her tiny hoof. “I could never hate you. We’re friends, remember? I have other ponies I’d like you to meet. They’re dear friends.”

“Really?” Minty pulled her blanket over her head, overcome with a sudden bout of shyness.

“It’s okay, Minty. They’re a friend too.” Minty’s father sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s very shy. Being in hospitals so much makes it difficult to befriend ponies.”

“I think I might help with that.” It was time to fulfill Razzaroo’s final wish. “Come in Ditzy. You too Raindrops”

“Uh, hi!” Ditzy said, poking her head, bursting into a bold, wide grin upon seeing the bedridden filly. “I’m Ditzy Doo, it’s nice to meet you! I have a daughter that’s your age. I should bring her along next time. You’ll be great friends!”

“Uh, hi!” Raindrops gave a self-conscious wave. “My brother is about your age. I’m sure you’d get along. He’s name is Snails!” The mare flinched, embarrassed she couldn’t match Ditzy’s enthusiasm and eloquence.

“R-really?” Minty said, poking her head out to see the newcomers.

“And my daughter’s name is Dinky.” Ditzy replied, sitting next to the sick filly, placing a comforting hoof on Minty’s small hoof. “It’s terrible you need to stay in bed all day? How about I get you decorations? It’d spruce the place up a bit!”

“Um, rainbows would be nice. I love rainbows! And green!” Minty said.

“Yeah, that would be fantastic!” Minty’s father walked up to Ditzy and shook her hoof. “You’re the postmare, right? I won’t mind having your daughter visit. Just don’t tire her out, alright? Minty’s still recovering from her treatments.” He shook Raindrops’s hoof next, who awkwardly introduced herself. The three adults began chatting, leaving Trixie alone to speak with Minty.

“I’d almost thought it was a dream,” Minty said, head low. “It’s all very confusing. If Corona comes for real, will you scare her away like before?”

“Promise.” Trixie crossed her heart. “That jerk doesn’t stand a chance. I’ll protect you and the other ponies in the hospital. Enough of that. Tell me more about yourself. What are your favorite things to do?”

Minty brightened, enthusiastically grabbing a doll from the end of her bed. It was a periwinkle earth pony mare with a multicolored mane. “This is Razzaroo! She’s my best friend. She has other friends too!”

From her pile of toys, she withdrew a pink teddy bear. “This is Pinkie Pie! She shares the name of the pony who gave it to me. She’s very nice and visits sometimes!” She withdrew another toy, a stuffed white cat with a stylish rainbow mane. “This is Rainbow Dash. She shares the name of the pretty mare that flies by sometimes!”

Trixie picked a dinosaur toy from the pile. “And this is Spike?” The T. rex matched the dragon’s distinctive color scheme. Minty gave an enthusiastic nod of confirmation.

“Yeah, we go on adventures together,” Minty said.

“Huh.” Trixie circled the doll around in her hooves until they stared face-to-face. “What?” She jerked in surprise and fumbled with Razzaroo, almost dropping her.

“What’s wrong?” Minty asked.

“Nothing!” Trixie gave a nervous laugh. Had the doll just winked at her? Nah, it had only been her imagination. Must be! Minty’s childish, overactive imagination was just being infectious!

Out a window, she spotted a foal with a broken leg playing outside with her mother and a terrific thought struck Trixie, and she mentally slapped herself. Why hadn’t she thought of it sooner? It’d been a terrible disappointment she hadn’t the chance to perform one at the First Rainbow Celebration. Better yet, it would help Minty and plans already formed in Trixie’s head. “Nurse Redheart, can you gather all the foals you can?”

“Sure, why?” The nurse replied, tilting her head.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is about to perform her most spectacular show yet!” Trixie kicked her hooves in the air, cape fluttering dramatically behind her.

“Really?” Minty clapped her hooves, eyes widening in delight.

“That’s a great idea! I’m sure the foals will love it!” Nurse Redheart darted from the room.

“A magic show, but you don’t have any of your equipment,” Ditzy said, baffled. “Do you have anything planned?”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is never caught unprepared! Defeat an Ursa Major? Turn straw into gold? Sunder aside the evil and malevolent Corona? The Great and Powerful Trixie mystical might is beyond compare!”

“Wow.” Minty’s eyes sparkled, mesmerized by Trixie’s heroism.

“Okay, Trixie. I only hope Twilight Sparkle doesn’t hear those boasts!” Ditzy rolled her eyes, but couldn’t resist a smile.

“I can help prepare the stage.” Raindrops flew off to gather supplies. It didn’t take her long to return with beams of lumber slung over her back, unbothered by their tremendous weight. Redheart hefted a toolkit over, and her friend began work to fashion them into a suitable stage for Trixie’s show.

“Oh my, what’s happening here?” A purple unicorn said, poking her head into the hospital’s cafeteria.

“Minty, er…” Trixie trailed off, trying to remember her friend’s name. “Cheerilee, right?”

“Yes.” Cheerilee gave a hesitant nod of agreement, giving Trixie’s friends a questioning glance. “Raindrops was vague about what the hoo-ha was about. Something about Trixie needing a manticore? What is she planning now?”

“It’s a long story,” Lyra said before gesturing to a box of rainbow-colored banners. Slung across her back was her trademark harp. “Anyway, help with these decorations.”

“Trixie’s doing a show.” Ditzy’s helpfully clarified.

“Oh, so that’s what you’re up to.” Cheerilee grabbed a banner and, with nimble hooves, hung it from a light fixture.

An equally curious Spike, no, Carrot Top, joined them and helped Trixie with the finishing touches on her stage's backdrop, a blue sheet illuminated by a shining rainbow. While somewhat slapdash and disappointingly lacking intrained manticores, her hospital foals seemed enthused by the hubbub. She beamed with pride as she spotted Minty shyly making conversation with another filly with a broken leg. Another filly joined them, and they were getting along famously. Minty wouldn’t be as lonely as she first feared.

It brought a pang of sadness to Trixie’s heart. Minty was a filly and needed friends her own age. Trixie couldn’t live in her world, but she could accept that if it meant her friend was happy.

A few more magic shows should be the perfect excuse to help Minty meet other ponies. You know, maybe I should make these hospital appearances a common occurrence. Already, her imagination sparkled to life, performing greater and more dazzling tricks. Pokey would complain about the constant absences from her office. But never fear, her assistant could manage the workload during her shows. Trixie beamed as she spotted her friends in the background, giving their support.

She blinked, had she seen her dream friends standing behind them? No, it was just the real Pinkie Pie. In her hoof was a foam hand that had “Trixie #1” printed across it. Still, had it just been a trick of the light? Somehow, Razzaroo and the others hadn’t vanished from her life as she feared, still ever present in her heart. It brought a small tear down her cheek.

Get it together, Trixie! You have a show to perform!

Trixie’s horn glowed with magenta energy, and rainbow fireworks caught her captive audience’s attention. In the background, Lyra played an impressively bombastic track to accompany her words. “Welcome fillies and gentlecolts to the greatest show on earth! I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, will perform feats of magic beyond pony imagination! Be dazzled as she performs deeds that put her in league with the likes of Starswirl the Bearded and Mage Meadowbrook!”

In league with the likes of Starswirl the Bearded and Mage Meadowbrook? Come on, Trixie. You can do better than that! These foals are expecting a show!

Trixie coughed, clearing her throat. “Now, Trixie will speak of a tale that will frighten and amaze! Be warned, this isn’t for the faint of heart. If anypony doesn’t have the courage to listen, they should leave now!” She paused for dramatic effect, making everypony glued to their seats in eager anticipation for Trixie’s next words.

“Trixie will begin her first tale, telling of the time she single hoofedly subdued an Ursa Major!” She smiled as Minty stood close to her new friends, both scared and intrigued. Her horn glowed with magic as she began her story, forming the pictures with her great and formidable magic.