Team Superstars: Regain The Strength

“C’mon!” Trixie cried, slamming the chains with a rock, hoping to break them and get free. She kept smashing them, hoping they would break eventually. Finally, there was a crack, she was almost free. “Perfect!” She exclaimed then gasped in panic as the door creaked. Heart racing as she realised who was home. Thinking fast, she laid on where the chain was broken and pretended she woke from a nap.

Gumdrop burst though the door with a smirk. “Guess what I got!” She exclaimed.

“Oh? You are home already?” Trixie yawned. Totally gonna fool her for sure, hopefully. She looked at Gumdrop. “So, what did you get?” She asked, trying to play it cool.

”Yep!” Gumdrop exclaimed happily. Pulling out the box and grabbing another jar. Ignoring Trixie’s horrified expression as she poured the magic into it. White light with teal and blue magic swirling about. Along with another cutiemark floating inside.

”Uh oh…” Trixie gulped. Knowing there was only one more.

”Music, water and whatever magic the earth ponies have… Perfect.”

”Y-yeah…” Trixie cowered. Not wanting to be on her bad side. “Great and powerful-“ She gulped. “So when are you heading for the next one?”

“When they least expect it…” Gumdrop was chuckling as she put the jar inside the cupboard. “Already hired someone to help me.”

”Good. So i think I’m gonna go back to sleep!” Trixie fake-yawned. “Being imprisoned is tiring.” She laid down closing her eyes and pretending to get comfortable.

Gumdrop rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Whatever, mutt.” She said as she left the room. Leaving Trixie alone by herself. Who opened her eyes and looked up. Looking at her empty dog bowel, she was glad she had food and water, even if they were in food bowels.

“I have to get out of here.” She whispered to herself. Looking at her broken chains as Gumdrop left the room. She had hardly any idea where she might have been. But she was going to get help. Gumdrop needed up, so did the ponies of this world. She clearly knew about those powers more than they did. So it was up to her. Besides, the Alicorn Amulet was likely forgotten as it was hidden nicely and very few knew about it . So she needed to tell them that, too. “But I can’t be caught.” She whispered. She smashed the chain again with the rocky debris and walked towards the window.

She aggressively undid the dog muzzle and threw it to the ground. Opening the window was a bit of a hassle. Thanks to overgrown vines and deformities in the wood. But after a bit of grunting, struggle and pushing. Along with a kick or two. She managed to get it free. Dust and dirt falling down it as she groaned in disgust. But it was the way out.

“The great and powerful Trixie did not want this…” She mumbled. hoping she could climb down, she looked at the drop. Seemingly into some bushed. Luckily there was a tree branch right hear the window. She quickly grabbed her cape and hat that were imprisoned in a nearby drawer and raced back to the window. Looking up at the gloomy night sky. “Finally…”

She stopped on her tracks before reaching for the tree. She looked back at the cage Zecora was in. Her gut hurting as she sat there sadly in her cage. It was like something inside was telling her to take her along, too. She felt bad just by looking at her. Zecora had less freedom in the cage than Trixie had, being chained to the ground.

She sighed and left the window. A feeling so strong urging her over to the cage, Gumdrop was surely asleep at this time. If not, she was planning or spying on something most likely. Because she never visited Trixie at night, it was always in the morning and afternoon. So it was unlikely she would come up unexpectedly. At least with how creaky the stairs were, she would be able to hear her coming before she reached the door. But too much noise might be suspicious coming from this room. So Trixie hurried quietly over to Zecora‘s cage. Stepping over debris as she moved through the fallen wall. Getting to Zecora‘s cage, who was asleep at the moment. She was about to get a rude awakening as Trixie lifted a large piece of debris in her hooves. Lifting it high above her head, slamming it down full force on the lock. Making a loud noise as its inhabitant jumped out of her skin as cage rattled and shook.

“What was the purpose of that awakening? Besides to start the cage’s shaking?” Zecora exclaimed in fear. Then she paused as she turned her head as Trixie shushed her. “Is that who I think freeing me? I have so grateful ms Trixie.”

“Yeah yeah. J-just be quiet!” Trixie whimpered, heart racing. She slammed the lock again, making the cage shake more. But to her joy, the rusty old thing popped open. She tossed it across the room, slamming open the cage door and helping Zecora out. Who remained quiet as Trixie’s heart stopped upon a familiar boise. The creaking of the stairs.

“She’s coming!” She whisper yelled, about to run for the window before stopping in her tracks. Seeing also a pink kirin named Minty in another cage, who was muzzled and had a newer looking lock. “It’s too late for me. Just go!” She ordered bitterly.

”B-“

”You just go!” She shouted loudly. Zecora looked over sadly. About to say something before Trixie dashed over to her cage, a light bulb lighting in her head as she held the lock. Zecora ran to the window as Trixie she broke the lock, using a spell to turn it into another object, setting Minty free as she raced to the window. Heart racing as she grabbed the branch. The others doing the same, folowing her as she climbed onto the thick branch that started to crack. Just as the door knob in the room creaked and turned.

“C’mon…” Trixie whimpered before stopping in her track as the branch broke. Not being as strong as she hopped. Sending all mares falling into the bushes below, just as the room’s door open. They both yelped as they landed in the lush shrubs. Which was surprising. But they were all a bit grateful as landing on dead shrubs would likely hurt more. But it appeared Gumdrop was not all gone if she was keeping it alive.

“Zecora!” Trixie yelped, lifting her head. Twigs and leaves stuck in ger mane.

”Don’t you fear. I’m over here.” Zecora responded. Getting up, fulling some leaves from her mane, too.

“I think I had the worse landing…” Minty said covering a wound with a hoof.

Trixie’s heart was racing as she looked up at the window they came out of. They were finally free, finally! But they were not completely safe yet. Gumdrop could still find them if she tried. They were only right outside the building she called home. Trixie gulped as she looked at Zecora, both looking very concerned as their hearts raced. Minty looked up at the window and back at the two, getting ready for their next move

”L-lets get outta here!” Trixie whispered as she raced out the shrubs. Keeping an eye out for Gumdrop. Or either of her dinosaur creatures if they were still around. They made sure to be quiet as they hurried down the concrete path, cracked and overgrown with weeds. They vanished into the night, making sure to be quiet as they sneaked past some ruins and piles of rubble.

Izzy was happily cutting up some cardboard as the sun set, all different colours, all ready for something She was going to make. Perhaps it was going to be some sort of dangerous villain’s castle, with ponies as captured prisoners. That was the plan she had drawn on a nearby sheet, at least, seemed she was going to make things to tell a story. She was alone but did not mind. Humming to herself as she put down the piece she cut out. “There we go! That’ll be the ear!” She smiled happily as she put the piece on top of a pile of other pieces of cardboard. All cut out and in different shapes and sizes. As she grabbed an uncut piece, she heard a knock on the door. It was more likely to be a guest or a visitor, because she knew none of her friends would knock. She happily skipped towards the door with joy and opened it, almost immediately seeing Zoom, carrying a big bag or two with her.

”Oh hey Zoom! What’s up?” She asked. “How are you going?” She asked with slight concern as she remembered and notice her dull colouring. She was still dull. Her eyes looked bloodshot and as if she hadn't gotten sleep in ages. The marks under them were very visible.

”Is Princess Zephyrina or Princess Petals home?” She asked.

“Not yet…” Izzy shrugged. “Not sure where they are. They must be home soon!”

”Oh. Is it alright if I come in?” She asked, looking really sad as she looked at her. Izzy paused, feeling worried for her as it seemed light she did not improve.

”Of course!” She exclaimed, allowing her inside and watching her put her bags on the ground. Watching as she slumped on the couch, looking really down.

”What’s wrong?” Izzy asked. Getting no response as she simply looked at her with a sigh.

”The queen and therapist…” Was what she said after a pause. “I got no energy with duties and keep-“ She then gulped as her heart started to race.

‘Not now’ she thought as she gulped as she tried to breath in and out. Noticing Izzy rub her comfortingly. ‘Focus, Zoom. Don’t break down.’ She told herself in her mind. Her breathing now rapid as she stared ahead.

“Is it what i think!?” Izzy exclaimed. “Nightmare!?”

“N- what?” Asked Zoom. Trying to stay calm. “Not helping!” She shouted angrily before remembering what the therapist said. After she was made to see one after two panic attacks in the palace.

Izzy stepped back to give her space. Watching as Zoom gripped on a cushion, taking deep breaths through the nostrils and out the mouth. Whimpering slightly as she calmed down.

“Zoom?”

”Give me a moment.”

There was silence as she calmed down the best she could. “I kept-“ She gulped. “I kept having panic attacks in the palace…” She said bluntly. “Can’t control them, can’t do anything!” She screamed. “There’s a voice inside saying I’m not good enough, but I am I have to be! I have to fight!”

“B-but- You are enough, but- Because that’s where-“ Izzy was about to ask before pausing realising if she asked Zoom of the reason why was because the incident. She could fall into another panic attack. So she nodded in agreement instead, deciding to leave her some space for the moment. Not wanting to be the cause for another one.

Zoom laid on the couch. Feeling ashamed of herself. Nit being able to control the flashbacks, nightmares and break downs she had been having. It was so unlike her and she hated it. Wishing she could do something about it. She slowly looked at her greyed hooves.

She turned around and laid down. Not knowing what to do next, feeling confused. It sucked not being on guard. It was like she had a cole. But this time about her mental health. Within a few minutes of laying there, she heard the doors open, she quickly sat up and looked towards the door. Heart dropping with Izzy’s as they watched the group that came in.

Zipp came in carrying Sunny’s unconscious body. With Pipp and Rocky following her, the latter carrying Jazz’s dull, seemingly lifeless body. This was enough to make Zoom’s heart race as she felt anger boil up as she started to breath heavily. Rushing over to Pipp, bowing in front of her before speaking.

”Where is the pony that attacked you!?” She said quicker and louder than she wanted as her heart raced.

”She came back…” Pipp said bluntly and sadly. “She stole Jazz’s powers.”

Zoom looked back at the couch. Izzy making it nice and comfortable as Rocky placed Jazz down. Putting w blanket over her as she breathed heavily and whimpered.

‘N-no…’ Zoom whimpered as her heart started to race again, her heart thumping as she saw what was happening. Her legs was shaking again as she looked over at the couch. Not wanting to see it anymore. She Sat there as Pipp tried to help her. She was frozen in fear as she tried to breath. It felt like she was fighting for it.

”Is Sunny okay!?” Izzy asked Zipp and she flew back down the stairs.

”She’s gonna Be fine…” Zipp added. Seeming kinda glum and sure that she was going to be perfectly fine. But sad as she looked at the couch.

”This thief is gonna have the biggest punishment when we catch them.” Zoom shouted angrily. “Not only has she taken our magic, the light powers. She has endangered others and taken her victim's sense of joy, humour, courage, confidence- and likely any positive emotions!”

Zipp briefly wondered why Zoom was here. But her concerns were answered when she remembered a recent conversation from her mother on her phone. “Yeah. I can guarantee that, Zoom…”

Everyone’s thoughts were soon enough redirected to Jazz who groaned in her sleep. Rocky putting a hoof on her, looking on sadly.

”Do you think she’ll be okay?” He asked.

Pipp was about to respond. “Ye-“ Then realised. Even tho Zoom did wake up, she was not okay. With all the panic attacks, nightmares and even a few incidents of her passing out. She was Clark not okay afterwards. “I Hope so.” She said softly.

Izzy looked at Jazz, tears rolling down her face now. She didn’t know why, but she felt bad for everyone. She knew Misty would hate this situation too. She was on a camping trip with Alphabittle, so she wasn't here when the first attack happen. But they both got the news, she was really concerned. Right now she was in the bedroom, watching a movie and now possibly checking on Sunny when she cam. “Izzy?” Pipp asked. Noticing her.

”I… I just wanna go check on Sunny!” She exclaimed sadly. Racing up the stairs to the bedroom. Slowly opening the door to see Sunny laying in her bed, Misty sadly humming a tune of some sort as she tucked a plushie in with her, hoping she wouldn’t feel alone or scared in her dream. Sunny was breathing softly as she was sleeping. “Sunny? What happened?” she asked. Hoping she’d wake up soon. Hoping she was not dead as she rested her hooves on her bed. Resting her head against it.

”Please Sunny, you’re my friend.” She whimpered. Lighting up a bit as she realised her colours were not dulled out like Jazz or Zoom’s. Maybe she was not stripped of her magic but rather knocked out during the fight. They were right, this thief was only after the light powers. Not Sunny’s. But why? “We are gonna wait right here for you. Untill you wake up!” She explained with a slight smile as she heard her healthy breathing, Misty nodding in agreement.

Rocky held onto Jazz’s hoof sadly, looking at her face. Hearing her whimper with no signs of her waking up. “Jazz… C’mon…” He teared up as he looked down at her.

”You okay, Rocky?” Zipp asked. Watching him.

”I was holding onto her!” He cried out, “She had to push me away so it wouldn’t effect me, too. B-but, I wish it was me that mot hit.” He said softly, her scream echoing in his mind. His heart was racing as he held onto her. “You think maybe I could keep an eye on her, tonight?” He asked Zipp who nodded.

“I don’t see why not. It might be a good thing for her to be with somepony so close and familiar when she wakes up.” Added Pipp as she walked over.

“Thanks…” He sighed softly, nearby Zoom was watching, frozen in fear, heart racing and stomach hurting again. She didn’t know what to say or do. But there was only one left, now.

Rocky rested Jazz on his couch, putting her head comfortably on a pillow and putting a blanket over her. He then sat on the chair next to it. “I’ll be right here for you, Jazz.” He responded sadly. Looking down at her as she whimpered and kicked in her sleep. Like Zoom did. He sat there, keeping watch for when she wakes up. Keeping an eye out for anything to be worried about. Even if it meant staying up all night.He had no work in the morning, it was going to have some repairs done. So no need to be worried for being exhausted the next day. He laid down and watched her closely. Slowly dozing off as minutes went by, eventually an hour passed and nothing as he looked on his phone. Yawning as it got later and later. Slowly dozing off… He closed his heavy eyes, drifting to sleep.

When he opened his eyes he gasped in shock at the light coming through the windows. It was morning already!? He looked around in worry, his ears pinning back seeing Jazz was no longer on the couch, when did she get up!? He quickly looked at his phone that was dropped on the carpet below. Gasping as he saw it was past 7.AM. Where was Jazz!?

”Jazz!?” He called out, jumping off the chair. Annoyed at himself for falling to sleep and not watching her. He had one job and he could not do it, he should have kept an eye on her! Who knows what crazy effect that magic has on her when awoken! “Jazz!” He cried rushing into the bathroom and seeing no one. So he rushed into his bedroom, not a single hint that Jazz was there, he let out a groan as he looked around. ”Jazz!?” He cried out with worry. Remembering how Zoom woke up. He was scared Jazz would have a similar reaction. He stood back into the lounge room. Looking anxious as he worried about Jazz. She could have gotten out in a panicky state like Zoom. She could be lost or scared! Then he gasped as he heard a toilet flush. Sighing in relief as he looked towards the toilet, seeing the door creak open as she walked out. Still desaturated in colour, but not seeming too panicked.

”Gee, Rocky.” She grunted. “I was on the toilet.” She said, bitterly, rolling her eyes and having an attitude as if she had awaken grumpily. Rocky wanted to jokingly ask if she woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but decided it was not the time to make such joke.

”Sorry Jazz. I-“ He sheepishly apologised. Not really acknowledging the fact he looked more tired than Jazz. “Uh- How’d you wake up? Did you sleep well?” He asked.

”Yeah. I mean, I did have a gnarly nightmare.” She shivered at the though as she walked past Rocky. Hitting with her tail affectionately as she did a loop around him. “But… It ended really happily and I woke up this morning to go to the toilet.” She explained, he was slightly surpised at her words. He expected her waking up to be similiar to Zoom, but she woke up nicely instead?

”Huh. Strange. Guess Zoom must have been unlucky… Or…” He thought out loud and gasped in shock. Realising something about how both mares woke up differently. Zoom was forced awake while Jazz woke up naturally… The former waking up more anxious and miserable, like something kept entering her mind that she could not get rid off, or somthing blocking postive thoughts and emotions in her head. Maybe the way they woke up had something to do with the state they were in. Just a theory as he wasn’t close to being an expert on this magical stuff. But he did kind of feel bad if that were the case. Besides, Jazz was only awake for about half an hour, bit soon to judge.

“Perhaps we should head over to Pipp. So she can see you are okay and uh… Talk about things.”

”Agree.” Jazz shrugged and smiled slightly. “Can we get a breakfast at Mega-Brekkie on the way!?” She asked with now a large smile and huge eyes, looking like a child who was asking for something they really wanted.

”Uh… Yeah, sure.” Rocky said, concerned but putting on a smile when Jazz did a victory pump with her hoof, it was nice to see she was still the same Jazz. Mostly.