A dark purple unicorn filly with a magenta and silver mane watches an oven. She smiles as she sees the timer count down. She stops the timer right as it goes off and immediately removes a tray of cupcakes. The filly places the tray on the counter and examines the various frostings she assembled. She smiles and uses her magic to frost the cupcakes, casting spells on each. Once every cupcake is frosted, she places them on a plate and carries it out of the kitchen.

‘Mommy! Daddy! Come try my new cupcakes!’

‘Ooo! Those smell good,’ a mare’s voice says as a silver aura lifts a cupcake.

A magenta aura levitates a treat. A stallion’s voice says, ‘These are pretty...’

Several snapping fireworks go off as the ponies eat their cupcakes.

‘Hee, hee. Sugar firework frosting. My newest recipe-spell. Do you like it?’ the filly asks.

Trixie hugs the filly. ‘Spectacular, Razzle Dazzle.’

Stormy hugs his wife and child. ‘The best, Razzleberry.’

Razzly giggles and squirms under the affection.

Shortly after The Wandering Physicist married Twilight Sparkle, Stormy took the advice of his mentor and his mother and dropped out of school to marry Trixie and travel the world with her. Rumor has it a certain brown pony briefly appeared for the wedding. The two unicorns travel around the world with their daughter Razzly. The filly marvels at all of the wondrous locations she gets to see while trying to follow in both her parent’s hoofsteps.

Razzly presses her face against the glass as a train barrels through a light snow. Her parents laugh as they watch the filly.

‘This is so exciting!’ Razzly exclaims. ‘You’ve never performed in the Crystal Empire before!’

‘It is not like they have a Crystal Faire every year,’ Stormy comments.

Trixie snorts. ‘In all of the years since she restored the Empire, Cadence has never seen fit to invite me. I blame her sister-in-law.’

‘It is not Twilight’s fault,’ Stormy groans. ‘It was only last year that the Wonderbolts were invited to perform. The Crystal Ponies are very connected to tradition.’

‘Hmpf! I hear the princess isn’t even going to be there to greet us.’

‘Cadence and Shining were called to Canterlot. Probably just a quick meeting with Celestia. They will be back before the Faire is over.’

Trixie sighs. ‘I guess I can save my best material until then. I’ve been working on reenacting the battle against King Sombra.’

‘I can’t wait. I’ve been practicing crystal berry dishes.’

‘Mmm,’ Trixie drools.

‘Is that it!’ Razzly calls as the snow starts breaking and a large tower comes into sight.

The parents stand with their daughter and watch the Crystal Empire come into view. The train comes to a stop at a bustling train station. Razzly gallops out to the station while her parents levitate their luggage to a cart. The station is full of tourists from across Equestria. The crystal ponies greet their guests and give out pamphlets for the Faire. Stormy leads his family across the fields to the city. Razzly gawks at all of the crystal buildings, streets, lamps, trees and everything. The parents laugh their kid’s reaction. As they pass, the crystal ponies watch the group of unicorns, a rare sight in the Crystal Empire. The group reaches their hotel and head up to their suite. Razzly immediately gallops out to a balcony to watch the city. Stormy and Trixie place their bags in their rooms and join their daughter.

‘Truly a beautiful country,’ Trixie marvels.

‘And when the festival starts, we’re going to take them by storm,’ Stormy adds.
…

Back at the train station, a grey pony watches the passengers trot to and from the trains. He taps a hoof against the wall four times and trots out. The pony crosses the fields until he finds an empty spot on the edge of the farmland and the snow with just a few crystals and berry bushes about. He picks up a crystal.

‘Hate,’ the pony whispers before dropping the crystal.

The crystal turns black and jagged before it hits the ground. A pair of green eyes with red irises surrounded by a purple aura flash on the crystal as darkness starts spreading.

The next morning, Stormy and Razzly set up the stallion’s stall in the market. The stallion works on setting up the ovens while Razzly prepares the batter for all of her father’s dishes. The other ponies around are mostly crystal ponies setting up their booths. A few tourists are previewing the stalls. One sees Stormy and Razzly and goes over to their stall.

‘Stormy? Is that you?’

The two unicorns look up. A green unicorn mare with a green crystal mane, tail and horn smiles back.

‘It is you! I recognize that scar anywhere!’

‘Jade Emerald?’ Stormy asks. ‘What are you doing here?’

Jade squeals. ‘You remembered me! I knew you were great.’

‘Yeah... And my other question?’

‘Oh! I am here for the festival. I come whenever I have time off. I’ve been researching my family line, trying to match records in Equestria with records here.’

‘You have really pretty hair,’ Razzly comments.

‘Thank you!’ Jade smiles and fluffs her mane. ‘I love coming since it makes me so sparkly!’ She looks Razzly over. ‘You must be Stormy and Trixie’s daughter. You’re adorable!’

‘Actually, I’m Razzly. But yes, I am Clever and Spectacular.’

‘How did you know Trixie is her mother?’ Stormy asks.

‘I remember our assignment and the prom and you running off to be with her.’ Jade sighs. ‘You became quite a catch that last year. I am happy somepony you loved was lucky enough to snag you.’

‘Do you have a special somepony?’ Razzly asks.

‘Not that many good stallions left in Ponyville these days. But don’t worry about me. Is Trixie around?’

Stormy rolls his eyes. ‘She is preparing for her show later.’

‘She’s still in bed,’ Razzly translates.

Jade laughs. ‘I look forward to seeing her perform.’

‘As do I,’ another voice says.

The unicorns look over to see a grey pony trotting up. The Master grins evilly.

‘Tickets on sell over there.’ Stormy points.

The Master shrugs. ‘Of course, the better show will be watching King Sombra take over again.’

Jade loses her crystalline properties. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.’ The Master smirks. ‘Nothing about releasing a corrupt crystal near the wastes for Sombra’s spirit to inhabit.’

‘Th-there’s no way!’ Jade protests. ‘Everypony has been happy since Cadence returned!’

‘Who said it was one of you?’ The Master drops a small blacked crystal to the ground. The darkness spreads across a small patch of the crystal street. ‘Oops.’

Stormy blasts the darkness away. ‘Why are you telling us? Why not just let us get enslaved while the princess is away?’

‘She’ll be taken care of soon enough, but you... Your mentor was one of my favorite victims. I should be able to get some joy out of watching you and your family suffer.’

Stormy glances around to make sure nopony is watching. In the clear, his horn briefly glows as he throws The Master against the nearest wall. ‘If you want to fight me, attack me directly. Leave my family and the Crystal Empire out of it.’

The Master dusts himself off. ‘And where would the fun in that be?’ He starts trotting around the street. ‘You have to face off against a force of pure evil. His brat has to face her worst nightmare. His son will be fed to his monster’s kind. His first wife gets her mind rewritten and will do the same to her kids. The pink one has everything she loves destroyed. I hired a bounty hunter to do some chicken hunting. His one “friend”... Well, I’ll take care of him personally. And that leaves’ -- he cringes -- ‘that stallion. Torn apart by the ponies he swore to protect. It is all poetic, really.’

‘Existentialist free verse dadaism,’ Stormy snorts. ‘The worst form of poetry.’

‘Snobby much?’

‘A gentlepony does not dabble in such lowbrow tripe.’

‘Whatever floats your goat.’ The Master shrugs. ‘I have a train to catch, and you have an ancient evil to watch slowly devour this land. Ta!’

The rogue Time Lord turns and trots away. Trixie trots past, yawning. He sees her husband glaring furiously while Jade and Razzly shake in fear.

‘Okay. We’re getting me some coffee, and you’re going to tell me the bad news.’

The four unicorns explore the fields at the edge of the Crystal Empire. Jade has calmed down enough so that her hair and horn appear crystalline again. Stormy explains everything The Master said to Trixie. The tired mare sips a venti Ponybucks as she wraps her head around the situation.

‘So, basically,’ Trixie surmises, ‘We have to defeat King Sombra alone. Something the Elements of Harmony, the Crystal Princess and the Captain of the Royal Guard had a hard time doing?’

‘Pretty much,’ Stormy replies.

‘Oh, I better get made a princess for this. I mean, if Twilight couldn’t do it with all that assistance, The Great and Powerful Princess Trixie is a fair compromise for such a daunting task.’

‘Yeah. That ain’t ego much,’ Jade groans.

‘Silence, knave!’

‘One thing at a time, Trixie,’ Stormy sighs.

‘Fine! I’ll settle for The Great and Powerful Duchess.’

‘Is there a way to turn her off?’ Jade snorts.

‘Just talk about Twilight Sparkle,’ Razzly answers. ‘She hates that.’

‘Or have your daughter walk in your bedroom after having a bad dream,’ Stormy adds. ‘Real mood killer there.’

‘Or it could be an infuriating husband and a bratty daughter!’ Trixie snaps.

Stormy laughs and kisses his wife on the cheek. ‘I love you, too.’

‘My mommy is the greatest!’

Trixie nods and snorts. ‘That’s better. Trixie deserves more respect than being teased about things such as a petty princess. Hmpf! Just because she gets to explore the universe while I am stuck here...’ She shrugs. ‘I won out in the husband department, though. Smart, handsome, extremely talented.’

‘Daddy is a good baker.’

‘Oh, that too.’

‘Is this really how you talk in front of your kid?’ Jade groans. ‘She isn’t even ten!’

Stormy smiles down at his daughter. ‘Razzly is a very smart and mature girl. We treat her like we treat everypony else.’

‘Well, if I were her parent, I would impose more limits. Just because we lucked out and had Scootaloo for our assignment, doesn't mean every foal is as mature as her. You can’t be such a lax parent. She might turn out to be a delinquent.’

‘Razzy is growing up fine,’ Stormy groans.

‘And I am Clever and Spectacular, too!’

‘The ego wouldn’t be there either.’

Stormy and Razzly groan. The stallion bumps into Trixie, who has stopped. Stormy whistles when he sees what his wife is staring at. Razzly squeaks and backs away. Jade’s crystalline features instantly disappear.

The ponies stand before a several-meter tall black crystal. The ground around the crystal is grey and lifeless. A ghostly image of King Sombra crosses one of the faces.

‘Slaves...’ Sombra growls when he sees the ponies.

‘Trixie thinks we need a bigger boat.’

The unicorns sit around Stormy’s stall while the stallion and his daughter bake and sell his wares to the faire-goers. They are trying to figure out a solution to King Sombra without alerting the public to the situation. Stormy serves a crystal berry pastry while mixing more dough behind him.

‘Still think you can handle this, princess?’ Jade asks.

‘Trixie knows she can defeat Sombra. She just needs to figure out how.’

‘If we had a way of getting in contact with Cadence, she could use the Crystal Heart on him again.’

‘Why can’t we do that?’ Stormy asks.

‘Did you see her when she greeted me at the station?’ Trixie snorts.

Jade looks over to the baker. ‘She hasn’t even returned from her meeting in Canterlot yet. She might not make it for the festival.’

The stallion groans. He gets out an empty box from under the counter and cuts it up. He levitates the pieces to his wife’s back and places an empty pie tin on her head. ‘There. You’re a princess now. You don’t need her as long as you have the Crystal Heart to focus and amplify the crystal ponies’ love to defeat him.’

‘Yeah, because without their princess, they will totally stand up to Sombra,’ Jade moans.

Trixie stands and poses in her new costume. ‘They don’t need to know it is really him.’ Her horn glows, and the wings appear real and the tin changes to look like a crown. ‘I am the greatest showmare to ever live.’

Jade stares at Trixie, confused.

‘We put on a show,’ Stormy says. ‘She has been practicing the story of his defeat. We just have to rally all of the crystal ponies and use the Crystal Heart against him. Simple as that.’

‘Simple as that? Really?’

Stormy shrugs. ‘We just need the props and the right venue.

‘Mommy is really good at magic, and daddy is really smart.’

Trixie removes the crown, changing it back to a pie tin. ‘Trust me. I am Great and Powerful.’

Trixie and Jade trot through the Crystal Colosseum. Outside, jousting matches entertain faire goers. The two unicorns make their way towards the building manager’s offices. The mares find the staff watching the matches on a television. Trixie clears her throat. Failing to get any attention, she casts a firework spell. A startled secretary trots over to the calm showmare.

‘May I help you?’

‘Yes. Please tell me where and when I can begin setting up for my performance later.’

‘And you are..?’

Trixie gasps. ‘I am The Great and Powerful Trixie! I was personally selected by Princess Cadence herself to perform feats beyond imagining for the Crystal Faire.’

‘We don’t have any record of any performances scheduled...’

‘Are you calling The Great and Powerful Trixie a liar? Or are you saying that The Crystal Princess would not want all the citizens of the beautiful Crystal Empire to witness the spectacular that is The Great and Powerful Trixie?’

‘N-no, I am just trying to tell you that there is no...’

‘Fine!’ Trixie turns around, her cape flapping around her. ‘I’ll just have to tell my close, personal friend Princess Twilight Sparkle that her sister-in-law’s people refuse to allow her best friend in all the world the performance she was hired for.’

‘You know Princess Sparkle?’

‘She and I happen to be great friends. I was one of her bridesmaids as she was for me.’ She huffs and stomps the ground. ‘I wasn’t going to play this card, but I may have to call Princess Celestia about this.’

‘P-p-princess Celestia?’

‘I am off! I guess The Great and Powerful Trixie is forced to perform on the street like some commoner.’

‘W-wait!’

‘Please. Trixie does not want your pity.’

‘What time were you expecting to perform? Maybe we can arrange something.’

Trixie turns and smirks. ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie is glad you asked.’
…

Trixie and Jade trot from the offices. The smug unicorn has a proud grin on her face.

‘Was anything you said in there true?’ Jade asks.

‘Would you believe me if I told you?’ Trixie replies.

‘Touche.’

Trixie laughs smugly and leads the other mare away.

Stormy and Razzly trot through the Crystal Palace. They march to the gallery containing the Crystal Heart. Guards surround the relic. The unicorn stallion trots right past the guards and levitates the Crystal Heat from its stand. Instantly, spears are aimed at him.

‘Problem?’ Stormy asks.

‘Return the Crystal Heart or this will get ugly fast.’

‘But I need to to borrow it for reasons. I should have it back tonight.’ The spears are pressed into his neck. ‘Do you know who I am?’

‘Enlighten us?’

‘I am The Wandering Physicist. The Doctor and I need the Crystal Heart for a very important project we are working on.’

‘Ha! You’re a unicorn. We all know The Wandering Physicist is an earth pony.’

‘Regeneration, genius. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist like me to get that much.’

The guards look at each other and back off.

‘Have it back tonight.’

‘You have my word.’

Stormy levitates the Crystal Heart and trots away leaving several confused guards.

Throngs of crystal ponies and tourists pack the Crystal Colosseum. Rumors have spread about Trixie and the show. Nopony knows what they are in for, but they are certain it will be spectacular.

Backstage, Trixie and the others apply their makeup. Jade styles Razzly’s mane to cover her horn. The filly casts a spell to make her appear to be a crystal pony. Stormy adjusts his purple and gold prop armor.

Trixie applies her eyeliner. ‘Does everypony remember your lines?’

‘Grr. Grr. Snarl. Slaves. Crystals. Grr,’ Stormy grumbles halfheartedly.

‘Uncanny,’ Jade groans.

‘Just remember, we only have to inspire an entire nation to vanquish an ancient evil,’ Trixie reminds. ‘Nothing too complicated.’

‘Right, because we do that every day.’

Trixie claps her hooves. ‘Okay! Places everypony! It is almost showtime!’

Jade and Razzly sneak out and hide among the crowds gathered around the stage. Trixie takes a few deeps breaths. Stormy hugs and kisses his wife. She smiles, levitates her hat to her head, goes to the curtains and casts her firework spells.
…

After a magical show, Trixie has the audience in her hoof. Her illusions dazzle. Her audience participation astounds, leaving one volunteer questioning whether he is really a dog in a pony body. Her illusory stories keep the crowd on their edge of their seats. She has successfully distracted the crystal ponies from the continued encroachment of King Sombra’s shadow which has entered city and is drifting toward the colosseum. Knowing it is almost time is almost called for the final act, Trixie wraps up her current story and gets a drink of water.

‘Thank you! You are truly the greatest audience!’ Trixie says between sips. ‘But sadly, time has come for my final illusion: a reenactment of the defeat of your dreaded King Sombra.’

A number of crystal ponies gasp in fear. Some even lose their crystalline features. Trixie levitates out props which become illusory wings and places a tiara over her hat. She uses her magic to create illusions of the events she describes.

‘Not so long ago, the spell that once protected the Crystal Empire faded and returned you from a thousand-year slumber. The lovely Princess Cadence and’ -- she licks her lips, getting Stormy to groan -- ‘handsome Prince Shining Armor’ -- Stormy trots on stage in his costume -- ‘came to greet and investigate your lovely country. Unfortunately, they found that the evil King Sombra still lurked.’

Trixie creates an illusory Sombra on stage. Several crystal ponies scream and more lose their crystalline features. The real Sombra swirls over the colosseum.

‘Princess Cadence used her magic to protect the Crystal Empire while Prince Shining Armor ventured out to assist the crystal ponies and call for help. Assistance arrived in the form of six ponies and a small dragon. Led by future Princess Twilight Sparkle, the new visitors learned all they could about the Crystal Empire and revived the Crystal Faire. The joy it brought to the crystal ponies forced Sombra’s darkness back.’ The illusory king starts fading. ‘But it wasn’t to last...’

The real king snarls and crashes onto the stage. He regains his true form. Thinking it is still part of the illusion, the panic created is minor, but the majority of crystal ponies have lost their features. Stormy readies a spell to defend his wife.

‘My slaves,’ Sombra hisses.

Trixie nervously backs away. ‘Cadence’s magic faded and King Sombra was allowed back into the Crystal Empire, but there was still hope!’ Trixie throws off her hat to reveal the Crystal Heart. ‘The crystal ponies were able to rally around Cadence, realizing she was the Crystal Princess. Together, they were able to reignite the Crystal Heart and drive Sombra back to the darkness, never to return!’

The Crystal Heart flickers as too many crystal ponies are scared. Trixie looks into the audience for Jade and Razzly.

‘Think maybe I should throw you at him?’ Stormy whispers.

‘Hush!’ Trixie turns to the audience and laughs. ‘Seems the Crystal Heart is losing its juice. We might need some more support to recharge it. Who has the courage to stand up to Sombra?’

The crystal ponies look among themselves and murmur. There is a bright flash.

‘I am not afraid of him!’ Jade calls, using her magic to enhance her crystalline features.

The crystal ponies around her cheer and regain their crystalline features. The Crystal Heart’s glow increases.

‘We need more! Is the Crystal Empire doomed once more? Who will save us all?’

‘Ham it up a bit more,’ Stormy groans.

‘SHH!’

‘I’ll save us!’ Razzly jumps on stage, still in her crystal pony illusion. ‘I’ll drive him off!’

Stormy and Trixie resist grabbing their daughter as she trots up to King Sombra.

‘I’m not afraid of you!’ Razzly shouts in the king’s face. ‘The Clever and Spectacular Razzle Dazzle commands you to go away and never return!’

‘Yeah! Go to hell!’ ‘We’re not scared of you!’ ‘The Crystal Princess will protect us!’

Inspired by the brave filly, the crowd starts jeering their former enslaver. They start regaining their crystalline forms, and the Crystal Heart’s glow becomes blinding. Sombra tries disappearing into the sky again, but it is too late. The Crystal Heart bursts with energy, turning everything crystalline, even non-crystal ponies, and destroying the evil king once more. Still thinking it is a show, the crowd cheers the performers.

The Crystalline and Iridescent Trixie takes center stage and bows. ‘And that is why they call me “Great” and “Powerful”.’

Late at night and with their crystal forms fading, Stormy, Trixie and Razzly lean out of a train window. Jade stands on the platform.

‘Don’t forget to get the Crystal Heart back to the palace. I think the guards might be a bit cross if you don’t soon,’ Stormy says.

‘Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything here,’ Jade assures. ‘You have to find Cadence and tell her what happened.’

‘Rest assured that The Great and Powerful Trixie will turn Canterlot over looking for the princesses.’

Jade glares. ‘You’re going to ask to be made a princess too, aren’t you?’

‘I was going to tell them what happened here! I mean, how else will they know to properly reward me?’

Jade groans.

Stormy smiles at his friend. ‘Jade. It was great seeing you again. Sorry you got wrapped up in this.’

‘Are you kidding me? I would have gone nuts in the library if it wasn’t for you. Not to mention, I got to know your wonderful family. Take care, Stormy.’

‘You too, Jade.’

‘Bye, Miss Jade!’ Razzly calls as the train starts moving.

‘I’ll see if you can get made a dame or something for your role!’ Trixie shouts back.

Jade laughs and waves. ‘In another world, that could have been me...’

Author's Notes:

RoH Connection: Razzly is named after Stormy's daughter in RoH. In that series, she is the daughter of Strawberry Souffle and Jade Emerald. She is also a lot shyer, but she is the universe's Element of Generosity. Her best friend is Princess Alba, and her idol is Octavia.