The Shadow of a King
All That Glitters Is Not Friendship
Author: Draconis187

The sun poked through the blinds of a small, meagre apartment. The room’s only occupant left the closet wide open, too tired after a short day spent with those closest to her and the night dragged itself along so slowly the mare would’ve slit her fetlocks.

The closet proudly displayed the occupant’s purple and star patterned attire while the mare’s pillow easily concealed the freezing cold Cerberus. Not that she felt the Devil Arm’s chill since it only obeyed her. As much as her lifestyle made her work her hooves to the bone for a little recognition, Trixie would never exchange her lifestyle for any other.

Trixie’s sleep was interrupted as the sun tried to wake her up as it beamed through the blinds and into her face. Trixie responded to this intrusion by throwing Cerberus and catching it on the blinds’ string and yanking on it with half opened eyes. The blinds fully closed and the mare attempted to return to her slumber.

A small knock rang through the bedroom in an attempt to rouse Trixie from her reluctant desire to get up. She chose to ignore it and treat it as a figment of her imagination but the small knock persisted.

Trixie let out a long groan as she rose from the covers, “Trixie wants a few more minutes.”

A small laugh came from the door as it opened up, revealing a smiling Thunderlane, “We both know that ‘Trixie’ has a long day ahead of her. I made breakfast.”

Trixie got out of bed and placed Cerberus on a hook behind her magician’s cape in the closet before closing it. She passed the mirror of her small oak vanity and saw her mane’s dishevelled state. She gave herself a sheepish grin at the sight and exited her room.

Thunderlane was stood next to a small table, all set for one. Trixie took her seat and dug into her cheese omelette. As she ate, she noticed that Thunderlane was watching her intently. She stopped for a second and picked up a napkin with her magic and cleared some of the food from her muzzle before speaking.

“You can stop that,” Trixie said flatly, “You don’t have to be him all the time.”

At that moment Thunderlane was consumed by a green fire, leaving behind a Changeling with teal eyes. His chitin was charcoal black and covered a portion of the back of his neck while he was bald like most of his kind. There were a few exceptions but they were as rare as Rebel and Legion.

“My apologies, Miss Lulamoon,” The Changeling replied as it bowed its head, “I learned that ponies are more susceptible to awaken when they hear the voice of somepony close to them.”

Trixie took a sip of her tea before responding, “Be that as it may Trixie does not wish to entertain somepony impersonating another. You may go.”

“As you wish Miss Lulamoon. I have placed your mail on the table in the foyer,” The Changeling bowed his head once more before leaving the apartment.

“One would think I lived in a five star hotel with this kind of dedicated service,” Trixie smirked as she finished off her breakfast.

After she placed the dishes in the kitchen, Trixie went into her room to make herself look more presentable to the masses. A warm shower in the morning was all she needed to feel at peace. The warm water had a way of washing away her worries… until she saw her cape and hat which reminded her of her job.

“Maybe another tour is in order,” She said to herself as she began to place her cape around her neck, “A change of scenery always puts me in a good mood.”

A series of knocks from the foyer made Trixie’s ears perk up and poke her head out of the door of her bedroom to look at the foyer as the knocking continued. As she donned her hat and hid Cerberus under her cape, she opened the door to find the real Thunderlane standing in front of her with a massive grin on his face.

“Well? Is the Great and Powerful Trixie going to greet her guest or what?” Thunderlane asked.

Trixie gave a small giggle as she looked over to the mail nearby, “Trixie believe her manager deserves some courtesy but she has mail that needs tending to.”

Thunderlane chuckled and entered the apartment as Trixie picked up her mail. Trixie sat down at the table and began sifting through the various bills, fan mail and the odd approval for a restraining order. Thunderlane stood by the window looking into Las Pegasus, lost in thought as he saw the scars that still marred the city.

The city was still being rebuilt while several sections were being demolished as they were beyond repair. A few buildings still bore scratch and burn marks from the original fighting from both Changeling and pony alike. This city was home to many families that are now not able to return due to the nightmares they endured or the loved ones they lost.

Because of this, a large number of Changelings moved in to help rebuild and improve the city. They were given citizenship in return for their services. Even The Strip was being revamped: the single long straight road running through the city was lined with casinos, convention centres, restaurants of the highest standard and second to only the Royal Cooks themselves looked like the aftermath of the Apocalypse itself.

After Trixie threw another stack of letters into the trash, one in particular caught her eye. It was addressed to her… from Twilight. With a raised eyebrow, she carefully opened it and began to read. As she neared the end, a grin spread across her face.

This did not go unnoticed by Thunderlane, “I know that look Trixie. What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking it’s about time we went on the road again,” She replied.

**** **** **** ****

As Trixie and Thunderlane boarded the train the next day, a black Unicorn was observing them from a distance. He kept his body covered with a tan trenchcoat with the collar turned up. He maintained a large distance between himself and the pair as the train began to depart. As Trixie began to get bored, she decided to have some fun by annoying Thunderlane.

After a long and embarrassing train ride, Thunderlane thanked Luna’s stars as he bolted outside. Trixie soon followed, cackling loudly. The black Unicorn exited the train and looked around to find his five compatriots waiting just beyond the platform.

“Report,” He said gruffly.

“Sir, we have been doing as you asked. We are ready to enact Phase Two of your plan,” The yellow Pegasus replied with a devilish grin, “May I suggest we take our conversation elsewhere? We don’t need any unwanted attention.”

**** **** **** ****

Trixie knocked on the door of Golden Oaks, still smiling at Thunderlane’s reaction to her antics. As the door opened, Trixie looked down to see Nyx smiling at her.

“Hi Trixie!” She smiled happily, “You looking for Twilight?”

Trixie returned the smile, “Yes I am. Is she home?”

Nyx shook her head, “Sorry you just missed her. She went to Sugarcube Corner with everypony else. I was just about to go out myself so I guess it’s a good thing you came when you did.”

“Thank you very much Nyx. Don’t get into too much trouble,” Trixie warned.

“It’s me, what trouble can I get into?” She replied as she decided to run before hearing Trixie’s reply. Trixie only shook her head and walked over to the self-proclaimed best bakery in Equestria.

**** **** **** ****

In Sugarcube Corner, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were putting up a banner that was so large it touched either side of the room and still sagged in the middle. Pinkie was keeping an eye out by the window until she saw Trixie walking up to the bakery.

“Quick! She’s here!” She gasped, trying to hold in her excitement. In Pinkie’s case this was hard to do and a feat when achieved.

As Trixie opened the door, she found the ground floor of the bakery to be unnaturally dark as the sun was shining brightly just beyond the doorframe. As she fumbled around to find any semblance of a light switch, the lights came on in a flash as everypony yelled.

“Surprise!”

Trixie looked around to find the room decorated with posters from her varying shows all across Equestria. Some were even from when she was just starting out! She looked onto the crudely drawn, self-made poster of herself when she first went to Seaddle and wondered how in Equestria one still survived for this many years.

On the table were a variety of blue, white and purple treats along with a grape juice punch bowl. How Pinkie made blue biscuits that were an identical shade to her coat astounded Trixie to no end but they tasted brilliant anyway.

Pinkie tackled Trixie in a huge hug, “So whatcha think?”

“It’s lovely Pinkie,” Trixie replied as she looked up at the banner. ‘Happy Birthday Trixie Lula-’

The ‘moon’ part of her name was missing, a small oversight to Trixie but she paid it no mind. She barely ever celebrated her own birthday since she had nopony to celebrate with and ended up not even acknowledging the day. She never told Thunderlane her birthday and now she wondered if she should’ve been more open instead of always hiding behind the bravado of her talent.

“Who told you it was my birthday Pinkie?” Trixie asked Pinkie as the others danced to Vinyl Scratch’s beats.

“Silly filly, I know everypony’s birthdays!” Pinkie replied cheerfully, “That and I read your diary.”

“Pinkie… I don’t have a diary,” Trixie said, confused.

**** **** **** ****

As the six ponies returned to the apartment, they began to sit around the table as one of their number placed a map on it and unrolled it. They all kept expressionless faces as they looked the map over. It was a detailed map of Ponyville with Golden Oaks, Sugarcube Corner, Fluttershy’s cottage, Rainbow’s cloud home, Sweet Apple Acres and Carousel Boutique circled in red marker.

“Are you certain of this?” The yellow Pegasus asked the Unicorn.

“Do not doubt me, Surprise. We are making our move tonight. I am not leaving everything to chance on the small hope they don’t catch onto us,” The Unicorn said flatly, “These ponies will know our pain. We shall have our revenge on them and then we shall take Equestria as a consolation prize.”

“What about the princesses and Discord?” Blaze asked nervously.

“They are of no concern to me. We take their precious Elements away and they lose everything,” The Unicorn replied, “As for the Draconequus… I have a special something for him.”

“As you wish, Soarin,” Surprise said, “Blaze, Silver. You two will be tying up the loose ends in Canterlot. Remember: we don’t want them to know it’s us.”

Streak laughed, “So I guess it’s up to the rest of us to deal with the Bearers and their friends?”

Soarin looked at Streak with a demonic grin, “Yes. When the sun sets tomorrow… they will be gone and the real campaign can begin.”

**** **** **** ****

The group played Pin the Tail on the Pony as it was one of Pinkie’s favourites. Twilight dressed up like Trixie did for her act and did small show with her blades. Twilight even went as far as styling her mane into two curls with the bangs covering one of her eyes and donning a cape of blue with light purple crescent moons with a hat to match. Trixie wasn’t sure whether to feel honoured or insulted.

Pinkie’s treats were no less than divine on Trixie’s taste buds. Pinkie’s baking skills never failed to impress anypony who consumed them. Pinkie had a way of constantly improving on her baking that seemed unnatural. Trixie’s little party ended once the Cakes needed to put the twins to bed and close up shop. As the group were about to disperse, Trixie remembered one small detail that needed to be attended to.

“It appears you forgot about Trixie’s accommodations,” She said sarcastically. She broke into a laugh when she saw Rainbow’s face contort with slight disgust, “You make this too easy Rainbow Dash!”

The others joined in the laughter as well as Rainbow, “Well, Thunderlane can crash with his folks but as for you… I dunno. You’re not a Pegasus so my place is out.”

Rarity gave Trixie a sad smile, “Sorry dear but my boutique is out of the question. Sweetie Belle is still staying with me and Joystick has a lot of damage he needs to pay for.”

Pinkie looked at Rarity, “Is that the reason I saw him walking around town in a pink dress? I almost didn’t recognise him.”

Rarity brought a forehoof to muffle a small chuckle, “I was rather livid over the fact that a lot of my things were taken. Although those were easy to replace, it was the bullet holes in my bedroom that got on my nerves. The poor dear was rather worried about what I was going to do so I thought I’d just embarrass him.”

Twilight turned to Trixie, “Sorry Trixie. I have Nyx staying over for a few days so I'm afraid you can’t use the spare room.”

Pinkie’s smile died a little as Trixie looked to her, “I’m sorry Trixie, there isn’t any space upstairs either since Pound and Pumpkin Cake were born. That and my last roommate broke the ceiling when he met me and my Party Cannons. The Cakes won’t let me have another roommate.”

“We always got space fer ya at the farm,” Applejack offered as Trixie’s options were running out, “Unless ya think it’s beneath ya?”

Trixie laughed, “Of course not. I shall accept your invitation, Applejack.”

**** **** **** ****

The halls of Canterlot Castle were almost deathly silent at night except for Princess Luna’s Night Court and the patrolling guards. Petitioners that didn’t manage to talk to Princess Celestia got a second attempt by talking with her sister while Celestia slept. Every so often one of the guards would be seen patrolling the hallways while the rest barely shifted from their spots.

Two guards though were acting very peculiar and quickly started to bicker amongst themselves.

“Quit shoving me, Silver!” Blaze hissed under his breath.

“I will when you stop being so Celestia damned close to me!” Silver spat back.

The two of them were walking through the darkened hallways, clad in Solar Guard Armour which gave them the appearance of normal Pegasi Guards.

The halls were as quiet as Pinkie telling a bad joke, with the exception of an outburst or two from Luna as a few heated arguments arose amongst herself and the nobility. If she had her way, the nobility would have had all their bits taken and given to the less fortunate. That or banished to the sun but Celestia found that to be a tad too extreme despite they used to do that a thousand years ago.

As another shout rang through the castle, Silver turned to his annoying companion, “Sounds like Luna is in a foul mood.”

“I’d hate to be that pony. She sounds ready to start sending ponies to the sun… without magical protection,” Blaze replied, “Which we will be if you don’t pick up your flank!”

As the two wandered around, they finally came across another hallway that ended by the Element Vault. In front of the magic door, two Unicorn Guards stood proudly with unmoving dedication and loyalty. They never saw the smoke bomb Silver threw coming. The pair charged as the guards as they coughed and hacked.

“I got one!”

“That’s me you idiot!”

“Sou-” A dull thud interrupted as a hoof collided with the guard’s face.

“Now I know I got one!”

“Good, now let go of my wing!”

“I don’t have your wing!”

As the smoke cleared, the two stationed guards were unconscious as they lay on the ground. Silver turned to Blaze, seething with rage.

“Next time, do your job properly!” He near shouted.

“Whatever. I can’t believe we used to be friends,” Blaze replied, “I’d rather be dead.”

“Shut up and use the thing Soarin gave you to override the seal,” Silver spat.

Blaze took out a small dark grey gemstone had a fine, sharp tip at the end. Blaze wedged the tip in the central hole that Celestia uses to unseal the door and pushed hard. The door began to glow a faint yellow which steadily turned to the same dark grey as the crystal and the door began to open. All of a sudden the doors flew open, slamming against the inside walls and making Blaze fall down onto his face.

Silver laughed at him as he grabbed the chest containing the Elements of Harmony, “You’ll always be an idiot Blaze. Come on, we got what we came for.”

**** **** **** ****

Celestia awoke abruptly, falling out of her large, soft bed before rushing out of her chambers without her regalia. She felt something terrible had happened to the Elements, she could feel the ward she placed over the door had failed. The guards stationed by her bedchamber were shocked for a minute before dutifully following behind her. If she was as worried as they thought she was, all Tartarus must have broken loose.

“Go get my sister at once!” Celestia shouted before she teleported away in a burst of light. The guards looked to each other for a mere second before changing course to the Throne Room.

As Celestia arrived at the Hallway of the Elements, she began to tread slowly as she looked ahead, her heart racing as if she just ran The Running of the Leaves… twice. She passed one of the stained glass windows depicting the most recent victory the group attained over the forces of Mundus and the Demon World.

Celestia looked at the open door and to her fallen guards with fear written on her face. She lowered her head and could hear the stallions still breathing. She gave a small sigh of relief. She didn’t have to deal with death this late in the night.

“Sister!” Celestia turned around to so Luna’s concerned face meeting hers, “What has occurred here?”

“I do not truly know Luna,” Celestia replied as she looked at the empty pedestal, “Whoever they are, they were professionals and they have taken the Elements. Not one solitary alarm, I was only alerted to this when the ward fell. By then the thieves had already left.”

“Guards!” Luna shouted, making the guards behind her stand to attention, “Search the palace top to bottom for these miscreants. We must find them!”

Celestia hung her head, “I failed my subjects yet again. What would they think when they hear the Elements have been stolen?”

Luna nuzzled her older sibling with a small smile on her face, “You are still their Princess, Tia. They know you will always look out for them and you always try your hardest to maintain the peace you worked centuries to achieve.”

“Thank you Lulu,” Celestia responded, feeling somewhat better but she was still worried.

A four hour search of the castle’s interior and exterior concluded with the chest being found near the labyrinth but the Elements themselves were long gone.

**** **** **** ****

Soarin was waiting on the outskirts of Ponyville in the dead of night. Surprise stood next to him before she felt the need to speak up.

“Master, why are we waiting out in the open?” She asked, “I know our disguises will keep the ponies off our scent but are you sure we want to risk exposure?”

“Most of Ponyville is already asleep by now and my patience with those two is running thin. They had better not have failed me,” He replied callously, “Your reports on the group’s movements over the past three days have shown me they have become too relaxed, believing they are safe. They will pay for believing that lie.”

“Understood,” Surprise replied, turning her attention to the sky, “Here they come now.”

Silver and Blaze came flying down through the small amount of overcast the weather team finished with moving in from the west some time ago.

“Do you have them?” Soarin asked as the duo wore stupid grins.

Silver pulled out the Elements of Honesty, Generosity and Kindness from the pockets in his armour. Blaze took out the remaining three: Magic, Loyalty and Laughter. Even in the overcast sky, the Elements sparkled slightly.

“Good,” Soarin commented as he began to cast a spell, “Now to get rid of our troublemakers.”

“How? They have some really powerful weapons,” Surprise asked, “I doubt we can simply ask them to surrender.”

“Whether they know it or not, they are linked to the Elements,” Soarin explained as the Elements slowly rose into the air, “Wherever they go, the Bearers will go as well. This does not work in reverse though and new Bearers could be found to replace the originals should something happen. If I send the Elements away, the Bearers will go as a result. So I am effectively killing two birds with one stone.”

The Elements began to shake slightly as six small, black orbs appeared just above them. In an instant the Elements flew into the orbs, disappearing as the orbs faded away.

“So, what happens now?” Blaze asked with a confused look on his face.

Soarin chuckled, “Now we simply wait. It won’t take long for the Elements to seek their Bearers. When they do, they will take them and anypony within a short distance of themselves. As much as I would love to see the look on their faces, I have one last thing to deal with before we deal with the Changelings and Equestria.”

Author's Notes:

I did this since I was still in the mood for this story. Well now it is comment time! We are separating the group into pairs or trios depending.
Rainbow Dash
Joystick
Rarity
Nyx
Twilight Sparkle
Clunker
Applejack
Fluttershy
Pinkie Pie
Trixie
Gilda
Rebel
Legion
You can choose the pairs and yes they will have their weapons... for the most part. I might add one of the lesser pairs: Vinyl and Tavi, Lyra and Bon Bon. I'll have to see about that one. Without further ado... Vote!